The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has held a public hearing in Sunyani as part of its nationwide consultations on the 2025–2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO).
The forum aimed to gather public input to inform the Commission’s decisions on upcoming utility tariffs and follows an investment hearing and the submission of tariff proposals by utility companies.
The Sunyani session brought together residents from the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions and provided a platform for PURC to present and explain these proposals to the public.
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC, emphasized the economic importance of reliable and affordable utility services in the three regions and highlighted how electricity and water are vital for sectors like agriculture, agro-processing, education, and small-scale industries.
“Farmers rely on power for mechanized processing and cold storage,” Dr. Suleman said. “When electricity becomes unreliable or too expensive, post-harvest losses rise and profits drop. Similarly, rising water tariffs without corresponding improvements in service can cripple agro-industries and communities.”
He further noted that the growing number of schools, hospitals, and cottage industries in the area underscores the need for consistent utility services, which he described as essential for economic growth and social wellbeing.
The Omanhene of Sunyani, Ɔdɛɛfoɔ Ɔgyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, urged utility providers to treat consumers with respect and expressed concern over the recurring issue of unannounced disruptions in electricity and water supply.
Also addressing the gathering, the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah, acknowledged that utility pricing remains a delicate issue affecting households, businesses, and the broader economy.
He stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable populations while ensuring utility providers can recover their costs.
“I commend PURC for its efforts to maintain a balance between affordability for consumers and sustainability for providers through public engagement, regulatory oversight, and performance monitoring,” he said.
He added that the government has made significant investments in the energy sector to expand access across the country.
During the hearing, representatives from Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) took turns to present their proposed tariff increases and justify the need for adjustments.
Attendees were given the opportunity to comment on the proposals, raise concerns, and ask questions regarding operational challenges they encounter with service delivery.
Story by Richard Kofi Boahen, Sunyani (rbnewsh@gmail.com)
