The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has called on the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to pursue an emergency National Tripartite Committee meeting to address newly approved utility tariff hikes, warning that press conferences alone will not resolve workers’ concerns.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) last week announced a 9.86% increase in electricity and 15.92% in water tariffs, effective January 1, 2026, under the Multi-Year Tariff Review Order for 2026–2030.

While the TUC held a press conference urging government to suspend the hikes, GFL Secretary-General, Abraham Koomson, argued that only structured dialogue with the Ministers of Employment and Finance can yield lasting solutions.

PURC tariff adjustment essential to safeguard utilities, protect gains - Energy ministry

“This is not about press conferences...We must officially request a tripartite meeting. Going public too early risks confusion and political exploitation,” Koomson said on Ahotor FM.

He noted that the tariff adjustments were not part of recent negotiations that secured a 9% Base Pay increment for workers, cautioning that simultaneous increases undermine labour’s credibility.

Koomson further stressed that workers should not bear the burden of legacy debts in the energy sector.

He called for accountability and prosecution of those responsible for the energy sector debts.

SA

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