The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has opposed the recent increase in utility tariffs approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

GUTA argued that the reasons for the tariff hike are unjustified, citing systemic inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement within the utility sector as the primary issues.

This was contained in a statement signed by the union's General Secretary, Alpha Shaban on April 15.

The statement explained that the tariff hike unfairly burdens consumers, particularly domestic and commercial users, and criticizes the PURC and utility providers for failing to address wastage and corruption.

GUTA highlighted several problems, including inflated procurement costs benefiting individuals, ineffective bill collection from state institutions leading to debts passed on to consumers, rampant illegal connections, weak oversight by the PURC, and theft such as the missing ECG containers scandal.

On the back of this, GUTA is demanding stronger government action against corruption, including recovering stolen state assets and improving utility management.

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They stressed the country's potential for economic growth if resources are properly managed.

Mismanagement in the utility sector raises production costs for local industries and agriculture, worsening inflation and currency depreciation. GUTA urged collaboration among stakeholders to leverage resources for national development.

GUTA’s statement condemns the utility sector’s inefficiencies and calls for urgent reforms.

They stress the need for transparency, accountability, and better governance to protect consumers and stabilise the economy, arguing that Ghana’s development is hindered by corruption and poor management.