The Brong Ahafo Businesses Coalition (BABC) has strongly condemned the recent upward adjustment in utility tariffs announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), set to take effect on May 3, 2025. The coalition, comprising various small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), led by its coordinator, Mr. Yeboah Mustapha, views the decision to hike electricity tariffs by 14.75% and water by 4.02% as insensitive and threatening to businesses and livelihoods.
“The lights are not even stable, and businesses that run on electricity are not progressing,” Yeboah stated. “A 4.02% rise in water tariffs will definitely affect water-reliant services like hairdressing salons and food vendors, leading to increased prices for consumers,” he added.
In an exclusive interview on Fabea FM with Apiah-Kubi, the coordinator emphasized that the tariff hike will further burden SMEs already grappling with high inflation and an unstable currency, which will lead to a rise in the cost of goods and services, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis and discouraging youth entrepreneurship.
Mr. Yeboah reiterated that the PURC’s decision seems intent on sabotaging the government by burdening it with the hike. The coordinator, in his call to action, urged the PURC to reconsider the decision and engage in broader consultations with the government and stakeholders, particularly those at the grassroots level.
The coalition also calls on the government to prioritize policies supporting livelihoods to avoid their next action of demonstration.
For further details, call Yeboah Mustapha on 0246990191.
Source: _Apiah-Kubi – Fabea FM_
