The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has acknowledged the financial strain of utility bills on households and businesses, while emphasizing the importance of paying for quality services.
Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC, made this known during an interview with the media at the Ashanti Region public hearing for the 2025-2030 tariff review.
“We understand the financial burden that utility bills can place on households and businesses,” Dr. Suleman said. “However, it is also essential to recognize that maintaining and improving the quality of utility services requires adequate investment. Our aim is to strike a balance between affordability and the need to ensure that consumers receive reliable and efficient services.”
The public hearing, held on October 14, 2025, at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi, brought together diverse stakeholders, including chiefs, assembly members, community residents, landlords, industry representatives, journalists, government officials, security personnel, and PURC officials. The event provided a platform for individuals and groups to voice their concerns and offer suggestions on the proposed tariff adjustments.
Dr. Suleman assured the public that PURC is dedicated to ensuring fair and transparent tariff-setting processes. “The PURC will carefully consider all feedback received during the hearing as it finalizes its determination of tariffs for the 2025-2030 period,” he said. “We are committed to balancing the needs of utility providers with the affordability concerns of consumers, ensuring that tariffs are set at a level that supports sustainable utility operations while remaining accessible to all.”
The PURC’s commitment to fairness and transparency in tariff setting has been reiterated, as the commission seeks to address the concerns of consumers while ensuring the sustainability of utility services. The outcome of the tariff review is expected to have a significant impact on households and businesses in Ghana, and PURC’s careful consideration of feedback from stakeholders will be crucial in determining the final tariffs.
*Stakeholder Engagement*
The public hearing demonstrated the importance of stakeholder engagement in the tariff-setting process. Dr. Suleman emphasized that the PURC values the input of consumers and other stakeholders in the tariff review process. “We believe that stakeholder engagement is essential in ensuring that our decisions reflect the needs and concerns of the people we serve,” he said.
The PURC’s commitment to transparency and accountability in tariff setting has been demonstrated through the public hearing, which provided a platform for stakeholders to engage with the commission and provide feedback on the proposed tariff adjustments.
By engaging with stakeholders and considering their feedback, the PURC aims to set tariffs that balance the needs of utility providers with the affordability concerns of consumers, ensuring sustainable utility operations and access to essential services for all Ghanaians.
