Minority’s Rudolf Amoako-Gyampah has criticised the governing NDC for imposing steep utility tariff hikes while granting what he describes as meagre salary increments, accusing the government of worsening economic hardship for workers and businesses.

In a strongly worded press release issued on behalf of the Minority Caucus, the Deputy Ranking Member on Trade, Industry and Agribusiness who also serves as MP for Upper Denkyira West said the NDC has “slapped workers with tariffs, not better pay,” contrary to the party’s campaign promise to improve wages.

Amoako-Gyampah argued that the government’s actions amount to “robbing workers of their incomes even before they receive them,” calling the policy direction reckless, insensitive, and deceptive.

According to the statement, Ghanaian workers received only a 10% base pay increase in 2025, yet the government introduced an 18.34% increase in electricity tariffs and 4.02% in water tariffs, effectively eroding any wage gains.

The Minority added that the situation further deteriorated when, on 11 November 2025, the government announced a 9% base pay increase, only to impose another round of tariff hikes on 2 December 2025: 9.86% for electricity and 15.9% for water.

These adjustments are scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2026.

“Workers have been ambushed, stripped of their margins and denied the very benefits government claims to be giving them,” the statement said.

Amoako-Gyampah insisted that the latest tariff increments expose what he called the “emptiness” of the NDC's 24-hour economy vision.

“How can businesses operate three shifts when they cannot afford even one under these killer tariffs?” he queried.

The press release warned that, based on the government’s quarterly review formula, electricity tariffs could rise beyond 30.9% and water tariffs above 28% by the end of 2026.

The Minority estimates that between January 2025 and January 2026, the NDC government would have increased utility tariffs by a cumulative 48.06%, against a total wage increase of just 19%.

Amoako-Gyampah argued that the tariff hikes are choking businesses and deepening economic hardship:

SMEs are grappling with rising production and operational costs.

Agribusiness processors are experiencing shrinking profit margins.

Export competitiveness is weakening.

Retailers face compounded costs amid what the Minority describes as a “cosmetic exchange rate.”

Companies are reducing output or cutting staff.

Ultimately, households are bearing the brunt of the increases, he stressed.

Comparing the NPP’s Record

The statement contrasted the NDC’s performance with the NPP administration’s policies, highlighting that:

Base pay increased by 30% in 2023.

Electricity tariffs saw reductions.

Base pay rose again in 2024 — 23% in the first half and 25% in the second half.

Electricity tariffs dropped by 6.56%.

“These were progressive, worker-centred, business-friendly policies aimed at protecting jobs and strengthening industries,” Hon. Amoako-Gyampah noted.

Minority’s Demands

The Minority Caucus called on the government to:

Suspend the scheduled January 1, 2026 tariff increases.

Engage in honest consultations with industry leaders, labour unions, and agribusiness associations.

Introduce productivity-enhancing incentives rather than relying on tax-and-tariff measures.

Address inefficiencies within the energy and water sectors instead of transferring costs to consumers.

Amoako-Gyampah concluded by condemning the NDC’s economic direction as destructive, unsustainable and harmful to national recovery efforts.

He reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to defending workers and safeguarding local industries, vowing to hold the government accountable and advocate for policies grounded in fairness, compassion and sound economic management.

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