News:
November 17, 2017
Ghanaians have been urged not to be excited yet following government’s proposed reduction of 13percent in electrify tariffs for residential consumers, Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu said in an interview, noting that the reduction is insignificant when approved.
Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta the Finance Minister in presenting the 2018 budget and policy statement of government on Wednesday November 15, 2017, mentioned that for industry and government the reduction is estimated at 21percent.
The Minister said recommendations are going to be made to the PURC in this respect, which will bring a little more relief to businesses and domestic users of electricity.
Mr. Iddrisu questioned the possibility of this move, saying that the reduction will not be any significant, even if the PURC eventually approves the proposal.
According to the Minority leader, the previous administration under John Mahama faced stiff opposition from Organised Labour when it introduced a similar proposal through the Energy Sector Levy.
“We have been there before. When we increased the Energy Sector Levy which affected increases in electricity tariffs, I presided over the resolution where Organised Labour protested vehemently over the matter and I do know the advice we got from experts from the PURC and what can be done.
I am saying let not people smile at a reduction which probably will be negligible or insignificant.”
By: Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/ghanamps.com