Utility Tariffs Soar: Water and Electricity Prices Increase in Ghana
Ghana starts the new year with a bitter pill as the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a hike in water and electricity tariffs. Effective January 1, 2026, electricity tariffs have gone up by 9.86%, while water tariffs have increased by 15.92% ¹ ².
The increases are part of the PURC’s 2026-2030 Multi-Year Tariff Review, aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of utility companies. The commission says the adjustments reflect investment needs, macroeconomic indicators, and efforts to improve service delivery.
Residential users will pay more across all consumption bands, with lifeline consumption (0-30 kWh) now costing 88.37 GHp/kWh, up from 80.44 GHp/kWh. Commercial and industrial users also face higher charges.
The hikes come as a blow to households and businesses already grappling with high living costs and slow income growth. Labour unions and civil society groups have expressed concerns, warning that the increases will erode wage adjustments and push up production costs.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has backed the tariff hikes, citing the need to address inefficiencies in Ghana’s energy sector and ensure financial stability.
Author: Korkor Anumu
