Accra, Ghana – Emmanuel Bedzrah, Chairman of Parliament’s Energy Committee, has emphatically declared that he will not approve any proposals submitted by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), signalling strong parliamentary resistance to the utility’s recent tariff requests.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on September 9, Mr. Bedzrah said, “As the Chairman of the Energy Committee, I will not approve of anything that ECG will bring to us.”
The comments follow ECG’s request to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for a 225 per cent increase in its Distribution Service Charge. The company argues that the steep adjustment is critical to prevent financial collapse and ensure a stable electricity supply across the country.
However, Mr. Bedzrah remained resolute. When asked to clarify his position, he responded, “Yes, Zero. Nobody will come to us with this.” He added that Parliament had previously expressed frustration over ECG’s past tariff increases, highlighting a 17 per cent hike that was implemented without sufficient consultation.
Reflecting on his earlier career as Ranking Member for Works and Housing and Water Resources, Mr. Bedzrah admitted that he had once taken a more flexible stance on utility tariffs. “Honestly, when I was on the other side of the aisle, I told PURC that I would even approve about 300% for them at that time,” he said. “But now, as chairman of the Energy Committee and after listening to PRC, ECG, and associated institutions, I will not approve anything that ECG brings forward.”
The statement comes as PURC continues stakeholder consultations on proposals from both ECG and the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), which has requested a 280 per cent tariff increase, citing challenges such as water pollution and illegal mining activities.
Mr. Bedzrah’s hardline position reflects growing parliamentary scrutiny over utility pricing and public concern over rising costs of essential services.
Source – My News Ghana
