Minister for Government Communications and Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has accused the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of double standards in its criticism of proposed utility tariff hikes.
His comments follow concerns raised by the NPP over potential tariff increases by the Volta River Authority (VRA), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and Ghana Water Limited (GWL), among others.
Speaking on Channel One TV, Mr. Ofosu argued that the tariff adjustment mechanism was introduced by the previous NPP administration as part of its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“As part of the IMF arrangements that the NPP entered into, they agreed with the IMF as a conditionality for accessing about $300 million. That review was completed before we came to power, around December 2024. They agreed to quarterly tariff adjustments and a mid-year review in September. So, when the NPP laments the increases, they are being dubious and hypocritical. They’re not telling the truth—they agreed to it, and we are bound by it,” he said.
The Minister stressed that not all proposals from utility companies are approved, explaining that government typically reduces the figures significantly.
“It’s not every proposal that is accepted. Almost every time, their proposals are substantially reduced,” he noted, adding that he was confident the current proposals would not be fully reflected in the final tariff adjustments.
“I’m confident that those figures in the proposals will not reflect in the tariffs,” he assured.
