Ghana's PURC Raises Electricity Tariffs by 3.5% as Government Fuels $92 Million Monthly Power Support

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced a 3.49% increase in electricity tariffs and a 0.85% rise in water tariffs effective July 1, 2026. Opposition lawmakers labelled the hike a broken promise, noting that cumulative electricity tariffs have risen 26.82% over the past 18 months. The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations also urged the regulator to suspend the increase, questioning the justification based on exchange‑rate and fuel‑price changes.

PURC Executive Secretary Dr Shaffic Suleman disclosed that the Ghanaian government spends about $92 million each month, in addition to consumer tariffs, to keep the power system running. Funding comes from a GH¢1 levy on petroleum products that has raised roughly GH¢8 billion, which has been used to clear arrears to independent power producers, restore risk guarantees for the Sankofa Gye Nyame gas project, repay sector debt, and improve the country's credit rating. Dr Suleman said the monthly injection has significantly reduced the sector’s debt burden and is essential for maintaining uninterrupted electricity supply.