The Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Sammi Awuku, has criticised the latest increase in electricity and water tariffs, questioning why Ghanaians continue to face higher utility costs despite government assurances that the economy is improving.

His comments follow the implementation of new utility tariffs on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, under the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) third-quarter review.

Under the revised rates, electricity tariffs have increased by 3.49%, while water tariffs have gone up by 0.85% across the board.

In a Facebook post, Awuku described the latest adjustment as an additional burden on households and businesses already struggling with the aftermath of recent floods, recurring power outages and the rising cost of living.

He said it was ironic that Republic Day, a national occasion that celebrates Ghana’s freedom, resilience and self-determination, would instead be remembered by many for another increase in utility bills.

“How much more are Ghanaians expected to endure?” he questioned.

According to the Akuapim North legislator, the latest review marks the fifth utility tariff increase introduced within 18 months under the current administration.

He argued that many citizens were still trying to recover from recent flooding and persistent electricity supply challenges when they were confronted with yet another increase in the cost of essential services.

“Just when people are struggling to recover, they are being told to dig deeper into their pockets once again,” he stated.

Awuku also outlined previous tariff adjustments introduced since the current government took office. He cited a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% increase in water tariffs in May 2025, followed by a 2.45% rise in electricity tariffs in July 2025 and another 1.14% increase in October 2025.

He further noted that the January 2026 tariff review raised electricity tariffs by 9.86% and water tariffs by 15.92%, before the latest increases of 3.49% for electricity and 0.85% for water took effect on July 1.

The MP questioned the government’s economic narrative, arguing that the repeated tariff hikes appear inconsistent with official claims of lower inflation and a stronger Ghana cedi.

“If the economy is doing so well, why are the bills of ordinary Ghanaians getting heavier with almost every tariff review?” he asked.

Awuku said the impact of the increases would be felt most by ordinary citizens, including traders, artisans, small business owners and families.

“The market woman doesn’t pay her bills with inflation figures. The barber doesn’t pay his ECG bill with exchange rate statistics. The cold store owner, the hairdresser, the welder, the teacher, the young entrepreneur and the ordinary family all pay with money from their pockets,” he said.

He maintained that Ghanaians had been promised economic relief but were instead facing repeated increases in the cost of basic utilities.

“At a time when many are dealing with the effects of floods, recurring power outages and an ever-rising cost of living, the last thing they need is another increase in electricity and water bills.

“Ghanaians were promised relief. What they are experiencing instead is one increase after another. Enough is enough,” he stated.