Manhyia South MP Demands Suspension of Electricity Tariff Hike Amid Ongoing Power Outages

Accra, Ghana – Top Knowledge TV | Energy & Politics Desk

The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has publicly demanded the immediate suspension of the newly implemented electricity tariff increase, citing the ongoing erratic power supply across the country.

Speaking at a constituency forum, Dr. Prempeh criticized the timing of the price hike, arguing that it places an unfair burden on Ghanaians who are already grappling with inconsistent electricity service and economic hardship.

“It is unjust and illogical to ask Ghanaians to pay more for a service that is not being reliably delivered,” Dr. Prempeh stated. “The tariff hike must be suspended until the power situation stabilizes.”

The increase in tariffs was recently announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) as part of its quarterly adjustment policy, citing rising operational costs and currency depreciation. However, the decision has sparked widespread public frustration, especially amid reports of unannounced load-shedding and voltage fluctuations in many parts of the country.

Dr. Prempeh, who also served as Ghana’s former Energy Minister, urged the PURC and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to prioritize the restoration of reliable power before revising utility rates. He also called on Parliament to summon the relevant stakeholders for accountability.

His call has received support from civil society groups and consumer advocacy organizations, who argue that tariff adjustments should be tied to performance and reliability metrics.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and ECG have yet to issue an official response to the MP’s comments, although internal discussions are reportedly ongoing.

The issue of electricity reliability continues to be a pressing concern for businesses, hospitals, schools, and households nationwide, with many stakeholders calling for long-term solutions and improved infrastructure.