News
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.
News
Upper West Regional Police Command secures conviction against notorious robbers
The Upper West Regional Police Command is pleased to announce the conviction and sentencing of Abdulai Ibrahim alias Baba, 34 (Driver Mate) and Abdulai Kipo, 36 (Butcher), for their involvement in conspiracy to commit crimes to wit robbery and robbery.
The duo were found guilty and sentenced to 28 and 18 years imprisonment in Hard Labour, respectively.
The accused persons were implicated in a series of robberies across the Napogbakole, Danko, SSNIT, and Konta areas of the Wa Municipality.
Their arrest and conviction were made possible through intelligence-led investigations and meticulous gathering of evidence by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate.
The conviction and sentencing were carried out at the Wa Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Jonathan Avoogo.
The court’s verdict underscores the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice and safety in the region.
The Upper West Regional Police Command reaffirms its determination to make the region safe for peaceful coexistence and will continue to work tirelessly to combat crime and protect its residents.
News
Police arrest two suspects for possession of suspected narcotic substance at Ayi Mensah
The Ghana Police Service has arrested two suspects for possession of eleven (11) large compressed sacks of a substance suspected to be narcotics at Ayi Mensah in the Greater Accra Region.
The suspects, Mathew Narkotey and Augustine Teye, were arrested by a team from the National Operations Department (NOD) on June 7, 2025 during routine patrols. The suspects were onboard a Mazda pick-up truck with registration number GT 3490-P when a search uncovered the suspected narcotic substance concealed in the vehicle.
The vehicle and the suspected substances have been impounded and are currently secured at the Joint Operations Centre for evidential purposes.
Both suspects are in police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to arrest one Martey, named by the suspects as the intended recipient of the consignment.
