TUC Slams Electricity and Water Tariff Hikes as ‘Disrespectful and Unjustified
TUC calls on PURC to halt tariff hikes, citing lack of consultation and fairness in the decision-making process
- TUC Vice Chair Dr. Ken Tweneboa Kodua criticizes PURC for announcing electricity and water tariff hikes
- Labour argues that the unilateral decision undermines trust, fairness, and future collaboration between PURC and the TUC
- Organised labour demands the suspension of the January 1, 2026 tariff
Dr. Ken Tweneboa Kodua, Vice Chair of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has criticized the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for announcing increases in electricity and water tariffs without fully consulting organised labour.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, December 8, Dr. Kodua described the decision as premature and disrespectful, revealing that the TUC had been working to develop a fair and practical tariff framework for its members. He emphasized that the unilateral announcement by the PURC raises serious questions.
He warned that bypassing comprehensive negotiations undermines trust and threatens future collaboration between the regulatory body and organised labour.
“The process and the procedure were not exhaustive. We were trying to develop a fair and realistic tariff that we could explain to our members. That process was cut short, and the tariff was announced. That is not respectful and does not reflect fairness in our partnership with PURC,” Dr. Kodua said.
In reaction to the announcement, organised labour has demanded the suspension of the 9.86% electricity and 15.92% water tariff increases set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Labour has also pledged to resist any tariff hike that could offset the benefits of the planned 2026 wage increase, unless the government adjusts the proposed 9% salary rise to protect workers from additional financial burden.
