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Cedi Appreciation:Mahama must Reduce Electricity Tariffs – Paul Twum Barimah
The former Member of Parliament for Dormaa East, Paul Apraku Twum Barimah, has indicated that the ongoing stabilization of the cedi must lead to reduction in electricity tariffs.
The Ghanaian cedi has experienced a significant appreciation against the U.S. dollar in recent months, prompting calls for a corresponding reduction in electricity tariffs.
Despite this currency strength, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) implemented a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs effective May 3, 2025, citing factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, and fuel costs.
Cedi’s Upward Trajectory
As of May21st, the cedi strengthened to GHS12,22 per U.S. dollar, marking a 8.44% year-to-date gain from GHS16.53 in November 2024. This appreciation is attributed to several factors, including the Bank of Ghana’s $490 million in forex interventions, increased gold reserves, and improved gross international reserves, which stood at $9.4 billion in March 2025, up from $6.2 billion a year prior.
Tariff Hike amid Currency Strength
The PURC’s recent tariff adjustment was based on a weighted average exchange rate of GHS15.6974 per U.S. dollar, higher than the current rate. The Commission cited the need to recover 50% of an outstanding revenue shortfall of GHS976 million from previous quarters in 2024 as a significant factor influencing the increase.
Stakeholder Reactions
The Ghana Hotels Association and the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) have expressed concerns over the tariff hikes. The Hotels Association highlighted that electricity accounts for over 20% of operational expenses, warning that the increase could threaten business sustainability. GUTA criticized the PURC’s decision as unjustified, pointing to inefficiencies in the utility sector that burden consumers.
Calls for Tariff Reassessment
Given the cedi’s appreciation, stakeholders argue that electricity tariffs should be reassessed to reflect the reduced cost of importing fuel, which is priced in U.S. dollars. They contend that if currency depreciation justifies tariff increases, then appreciation should logically lead to reductions, providing relief to consumers and businesses alike.
Looking Ahead
“As the cedi continues its upward trend, there is growing pressure on the PURC to consider these gains in future tariff reviews. Stakeholders advocate for a transparent and responsive pricing mechanism that aligns with economic indicators, ensuring that consumers benefit from favorable market conditions,” he stated.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested three (3) suspects in connection with a case of possession of narcotic drugs and engaging in prohibited drug-related activities within the Accra metropolis.
On April 10, 2026, the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector General of Police received intelligence that a group of individuals were planning to engage in the sale of suspected narcotic drugs at Dzorwulu in Accra.
A surveillance operation was mounted and on 11th April 2026, a Police team proceeded to the area and arrested two suspects, Bright Ayivor and Ifeanyi Ijeoba.
The suspects were found in possession of twenty-two (22) compressed substances suspected to be cocaine, which were being prepared for sale to a prospective buyer.
Further interrogation of the suspects led to the identification of a third suspect, Kwabena Botwe as a key figure in the drug trade.
A follow-up operation at Caprice resulted in his arrest after Police mounted surveillance during a planned transaction involving proceeds from the sale of the suspected drugs.
The suspect later led Police to his residence at Greda Estates, where a search resulted in the retrieval of an amount of GHc400,000 and a counting machine.
According to the police, during the operation, he attempted to bribe the arresting officers with an additional GHc420,000, which has been retained as evidence.
All the suspects are currently in Police custody assisting investigations and will be put before the court.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, yesterday April 14, 2026, promoted seven officers of the Tema Regional Police Command to their next ranks for their role in a recent anti-robbery operation in Tema.
The promotions were awarded to officers who responded to a robbery attack on a Mobile Money vendor at Tema Community 5 leading to the shooting of two robbery suspects and the recovery of a firearm, ammunition, and other exhibits.
The officers promoted are Chief Inspector Enoch Nartey Nuer, Inspector Gershon Dekpey; Inspector Prince Asante; No. 45881 Sergeant Lukman Mohammed; No. 49900 Sergeant Eugene Kuudouru; No. 54157 Corporal Jerome Akator; and No. 59882 Lance Corporal Jonathan Sewurah.
The IGP, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), congratulated the officers on their promotion and commended them for their courage, discipline, and commitment to duty.
The IGP urged the officers to view their promotion as a call to higher responsibility and encouraged all personnel to continue working with dedication and professionalism in the service of the nation.
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