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Purc announces electricity tariff increase by 1.14 percent, water tariffs remain unchanged
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a 1.14 percent increase in electricity tariffs for all customer groups, effective October 1, 2025.
However, water tariffs will remain the same.
In a facebook post, the Commission said the decision followed its regular quarterly review of tariffs.
The review takes into account factors beyond the control of the utility companies, such as the exchange rate between the Ghana cedi and the US dollar, domestic inflation, the cost of natural gas and other fuels, and the balance between hydro and thermal power generation.
PURC explained that the increase is necessary to maintain the real value of tariffs and keep electricity providers financially stable so they can continue delivering services.
For the fourth quarter of 2025, the Commission used a projected exchange rate of GHS12.37 to the US dollar, an annual average inflation rate of 12.43 percent, and a weighted average cost of gas of USD 7.71 per MMBtu.
The generation mix is expected to remain at 28.80 percent hydro and 71.20 percent thermal power.
The new rates mean that residential lifeline customers who consume up to 30 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month will now pay 80.4 pesewas per kilowatt-hour, up from 79.5 pesewas.
Other categories of customers will see similar small increases. Service charges remain the same.
Water tariffs, however, will not change. Customers in all water-use categories will continue to pay the existing rates.
The Commission mentioned that it will continue to monitor the operations of utility providers and hold them to its standards to ensure value for money and better service delivery.
The decision will be published in the official gazette and can be accessed on the PURC website.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could worsen the spread of misinformation across the world if not managed responsibly.
Speaking at the International Conference on Information Integrity in Paris, the President said AI tools such as deepfakes and synthetic media are increasingly being used to manipulate information and distort public perception.
He warned that the misuse of AI poses a serious threat to democracy, public health, and global stability, adding that protecting information integrity must be treated with the same urgency as national security and economic development.
“We are back to win the global war against misinformation and disinformation. Disinformation is not an abstract issue, it shapes elections, distorts public health responses, fuels conflict, and undermines the fight against climate change,” he pointed out.
President Mahama said false information continues to erode public confidence in science and government policy, even a decade after the signing of the Paris Climate Accord.
He noted that while AI presents huge opportunities for innovation and growth, it must be used responsibly to ensure that technological progress builds, rather than destroys, public trust.
“Our collective task must be to harness AI responsibly, promote transparency, and ensure that technology strengthens, not weakens, our societies,” he said.
The conference brought together world leaders, media experts, and technology innovators to discuss ways to protect information integrity and strengthen democracy in the digital age.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced a city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, as part of efforts to promote cleanliness and public health in the metropolis.
The exercise, which starts at 6:00 a.m., forms part of the government’s vision to undertake monthly nationwide clean-up activities.
It is expected to bring together residents, traders, and transport operators to help make Kumasi cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
According to the Assembly, the clean-up will focus on key parts of the Central Business District and surrounding areas.
The operational zones include Zoo Roundabout through Pampaso to Otumfuo Roundabout, Otumfuo Roundabout through Acheamfour Market, MTN Roundabout to St. Louis College, Otumfuo Roundabout to Dr. Mensah, Boss FM through Central Market, Asafo Interchange, and Asafo Market stretch, as well as Roman Hill Down through Aboabo Station to Alabar.
During the exercise, all trading activities and vehicular movement within these areas will be suspended to ensure smooth operations.
The KMA urged all traders, commercial drivers, and residents to comply with the directive and actively take part in cleaning their surroundings.
The Assembly announced that if traders and shop owners participate fully, the exercise will end at 11:00 a.m.
However, those who fail to take part will have their shops and trading activities remain closed until 2:00 p.m.
By: Jacob Aggrey
