Majority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has highlighted the Akufo-Addo administration’s unique achievement in Ghana’s 4th republic by implementing a reduction in electricity tariffs.
He emphasized that this significant action reflects the government’s dedication to easing the burdens faced by the citizens of Ghana.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on June 11, he said “This government acknowledges that our people face various forms of challenges. It is in light of this that history will remember this government as the only government in the 4th republic to reduce electricity tariffs. In 2018, the government of Ghana announced various tariff reductions ranging from 18 to 30 per cent. It is a matter of record, and this has never happened in the history of Ghana.”
His claim is yet to be accepted or debunked by the Minority in Parliament. Presently, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced an increase in Electricity and Water tariffs, effective July 1 to September 30, 2024.
The Commission has stated that there will be a 3.45% increase in electricity tariffs for lifeline consumers (0-30kWh); a 5.84% increase for all other residential consumers who are not part of the lifeline category bracket (31 kWh and above), as well as the non-residential category.
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary Dr Ishmael Ackah, dated Friday, May 31, the PURC explained that consumers in the industrial category will experience an increase in electricity tariffs of 4.92%.
PURC indicated that Water Tariffs will increase by 5.16% for all customer classes for the period under review.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also revealed that the government is set to introduce a bill to parliament soon to regulate the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. This initiative is designed to secure the sustainability of the Free SHS program in light of concerns about potential changes by future administrations.
The Free SHS policy, a key element of the Akufo-Addo government’s educational reforms, offers free secondary education to all Ghanaian students. The proposed legislation aims to solidify the policy’s framework, protecting it from possible modifications that could jeopardize its goals.