The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent tariff increase approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
According to GUTA the move is unjustified and driven by unresolved issues of financial mismanagement within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Head of the Business and Economic Bureau at the Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA), Charles Kusi Appiah Kubi has revealed that their opposition is rooted in findings from a committee established by Ghana’s Minister of Energy, John Jinapor.
Kusi Appiah Kubi stressed that PURC’s attempt to justify tariff increases against this backdrop is unjustified and unfair to consumers and businesses alike.
In an interview with Channel One News, he stated, “Our objection to the proposed tariff increment is based on current findings exposed by the Minister of Energy’s committee. ECG has engaged in unlawful spending, financial mismanagement, and procurement breaches, which have caused their financial crisis”.
He added “PURC is now trying to find reasons to justify a tariff increase, but this is not grounded in good business practice. GUTA vehemently rejects any tariff increment until these corporate governance and financial misconduct issues at ECG are resolved.”
He added that it is unjust to punish ordinary citizens and businesses who aim to create jobs and contribute to economic growth due to mismanagement within state enterprises.
“To punish the ordinary citizen and businesses whose only objective is to create jobs, pay our taxes, and foster growth in our economy is unacceptable.
He declared “We will not accept such punishment. Why should we always be at the losing end? Why should we always bear the consequences when people mismanage state enterprises and even the economy? This will not be tolerated”
He, however stressed that the union will call for tariff adjustment on a condition.
“We will call for a tariff increment when we have seen reforms, proper corporate structures, and when those who committed financial malpractices have been apprehended and prosecuted”, Appiah Kubi emphasized.
By: Kwadwo Owusu
