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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.
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
