The convenor of a group named COSECA, an abbreviation for Coalition of Stakeholders on Electricity Contracts and Arrangements, Dr. Steve Manteaw, has called on Ghanaians to accept and pay for the new tariff increment that is being proposed by the utility companies.
According to him, if Ghanaians do not pay the new tariffs, they will be unable to enjoy the supply of potable water or reliable power supply.
Dr. Manteaw also argued that the present electricity and water difficulties Ghanaians are experiencing stem from the mismanagement of the current government.
However, he pleaded with Ghanaians to bear the new tariffs to prevent further disruptions.
“Prices of goods and services have shot up even in the world market and, as we all know, the two companies, ECG and Ghana Water Company Limited, go to buy some of their equipment from the world, and the world markets only accept dollars, and the dollars have overtaken the Ghanaian cedi,” he clarified.
He said it was high time leaders of this country provided the needed tools and resources for Ghanaians who are appointed to head government institutions as they do for their foreign counterparts.
Dr. Manteaw made this disclosure at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday.
He also disclosed that Ghana Water has been able to reduce commercial water loss by some 7 percent since the company was given back to a Ghanaian to manage.
“It shows that the Ghanaian manager is competent if given the needed resources,” he added.
Last month, the Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Water Company Limited proposed to the PURC upward pricing increases of 148 percent and 334 percent, respectively, a move that has sparked considerable customer outrage.
