TUC Blasts Government Over New Tariff Hikes: “This Is Worse Than Robbing Peter to Pay Paul”
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has launched a scathing attack on the government following the latest round of utility tariff increases, calling the move unfair, insensitive, and “worse than robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
The strong reaction comes after the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced fresh increments in electricity and water tariffs, a decision the TUC says will worsen the already unbearable economic hardship facing Ghanaian workers and households.
TUC: Tariff Hikes Are a Direct Attack on Struggling Workers
In a strongly worded statement, the TUC expressed shock that government would approve tariff increases at a time when inflation, taxes, transportation costs, and general living expenses have skyrocketed.
According to the union, salaries have not kept pace with the steep rise in the cost of living. Instead of providing relief, government policies, it says, continue to “squeeze the poorest and reward inefficiency.”
“This is worse than robbing Peter to pay Paul. You cannot keep asking workers to pay for the mismanagement and losses within the utility sector,” the TUC lamented.
The union argues that while consumers are expected to pay more every quarter, state institutions and utility providers are not held accountable for wastage, revenue leakages, and poor service delivery.
Ghanaians Already Struggling Under Heavy Economic Pressures
Many households and small businesses have expressed frustration over the continuous upward adjustments in tariffs, saying they are reaching breaking point.
Electricity bills have doubled for some SMEs within the past year alone, forcing many to reduce staff, increase prices, or close down completely.
The TUC says the government must stop using tariff hikes as the easy way out and instead address structural problems such as:
- High system losses within ECG and GWCL
- Inefficiencies and inflated procurement contracts
- Political interference in state-owned utilities
- Lack of investment in modern technology
- Poor revenue collection mechanisms
TUC Calls for Immediate Suspension and Review
The Trades Union Congress has called on the government to halt the new tariff increase and engage all stakeholders — labour unions, manufacturers, consumer groups, and civil society — to develop a more sustainable and fair pricing model.
The labour union has hinted that it will not rule out nationwide protests if government ignores the concerns of workers.
“We cannot continue like this. Ghanaian workers are not cash cows for government revenue mobilization,” the statement added.
Government Yet to Respond
As of press time, the government and the PURC have not officially responded to the TUC’s accusations. However, sources say the Finance Ministry believes the adjustments are necessary to stabilize the energy sector and meet IMF-related commitments.
The coming days are expected to see heightened public debate as labour groups, business owners, and civil society organizations weigh in on the matter.