Emmanuel Bedzrah, Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Energy Committee, issued a sharp rebuke Monday against the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), vowing to block all proposals brought before the committee by the utility provider.
“I will not approve anything that ECG brings to us,” Mr. Bedzrah declared during an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express on September 9. His comments come amid mounting public criticism of ECG’s recent request to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for a 225% increase in its Distribution Service Charge.
The company argues that the significant tariff hike is essential to stave off financial collapse and ensure stability in electricity supply. But the proposal has provoked widespread backlash in Parliament and among the broader public.
Pressed by host Evans Mensah on whether his position was final, Mr. Bedzrah responded emphatically: “Yes, zero. I just returned from abroad and on my own page—that is, my committee’s WhatsApp platform—it was a bipartisan bashing of ECG. Nobody will come to us with this.”
Mr. Bedzrah cited ECG’s previous 17% tariff increase, which, he said, was implemented without sufficient consultation. “We told them then, you should have consulted. Now how can you justify a 225% increase?”
His remarks signal a stark shift from earlier positions he held during his time as Ranking Member for Works and Housing and Water Resources. “At the time, I remember telling PURC I would even approve a 300% increase,” he acknowledged. “But now, sitting as chairman of the Energy Committee and hearing from PURC, ECG, and other stakeholders, I will not approve anything ECG brings.”
The PURC is currently conducting stakeholder consultations on tariff proposals from both ECG and the Ghana Water Company Limited, which is seeking a 280% increase, citing rising operational costs due to water pollution and illegal mining.
ECG’s financial troubles have been a source of persistent concern, with critics pointing to inefficiencies, poor revenue collection, and systemic mismanagement. Analysts say the current standoff between Parliament and the utility regulator highlights a broader crisis of confidence in Ghana’s utility governance.
As the debate unfolds, the PURC faces the challenge of balancing financial sustainability for state utilities with growing public resistance to steep price hikes amid economic pressures.
Source:TheDotNews