By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The Trades Union Congress on Monday urged the government to either top up the 9 per cent wage increase for 2026 or withdraw the utility tariff hike announced by the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) last week.
The TUC described the new increases, approximately 9.86% on electricity and 15.92% on water, effective 1 January 2026, as “insensitive,” “harsh,” and “worse than robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
Speaking at a press briefing, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah reiterated that unionised labour will resist any tariff increase that erodes workers’ income.
The union argues that the hikes effectively nullify the planned 9% adjustment for 2026.
TUC demands that the government either top up the wage increase or withdraw the tariff hikes — otherwise they warn they will mobilise workers nationwide for industrial action.
They consider the timing unacceptable: the tariff hikes come into effect at the same time as wage adjustments, thereby wiping out the benefit of the latter.
The union argues the increases deepen economic hardship for workers who are already facing high living costs.
They believe the government should have negotiated better and considered the welfare of workers, and not just passed on costs through tariff hikes.
TUC is not alone, as businesses and other stakeholders have also criticised the hikes, calling for caution and dialogue instead of abrupt increases.
The announcement has sparked tensions as labour organisations are warning of possible nationwide mobilisation if the government doesn’t respond to their demands.
Observers have urged the government to engage with labour and other stakeholders to avoid social unrest, arguing that the tariff hike touches many Ghanaians during a time of widespread economic pressure.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission last week approved a 9.86 per cent increase in electricity tariffs and a 15.92 per cent rise in water tariffs effective January 1, 2026, as part of its multi-year review from 2026 to 2030. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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