The Minority in Parliament is demanding greater transparency from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, following its decision to increase electricity and water tariffs effective July 1.

Under the latest review, electricity consumers will pay 3.49 percent more, while water tariffs will go up by 0.85 percent.

At a press conference in Parliament, Deputy Ranking Member on the Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, questioned the justification for the increases at a time government officials continue to tout improvements in key economic indicators.

According to him, the government has repeatedly pointed to the strengthening of the cedi, declining inflation and lower interest rates as evidence that the economy is on a path to recovery.

Mr. Adomako Mensah argued that these developments should ordinarily ease pressure on utility providers, particularly in the power sector where a significant portion of generation depends on imported fuel and gas purchased with foreign currency.

He maintained that if macroeconomic conditions are indeed improving, consumers should be seeing relief rather than higher utility bills.

The Minority is therefore calling on the PURC to publicly outline the data, assumptions and calculations that informed the latest tariff review.

They contend that without a clear explanation, many Ghanaians will remain unconvinced that the reported economic gains are benefiting households and businesses.

The group also accused government of taking credit for previous tariff reductions while failing to account for the latest increases.

Mr. Adomako Mensah further argued that government cannot distance itself from the decision, given its role in appointing the leadership of the PURC and shaping policy within the utility sector.

The Minority says it will continue to monitor tariff reviews and hold both the regulator and government accountable for decisions affecting consumers.

It is also urging civil society organisations, labour groups, business associations and the general public to push for a utility pricing regime that is transparent, fair and backed by evidence.

The Minority further wants future tariff adjustments tied to demonstrable improvements in service delivery, citing concerns over recurring power outages, disputes over prepaid meter deductions and persistent complaints about ECG billing practices.