We didn’t lie about ‘reducing’ electricity tariffs – Agyarko

The Minister for Energy Boakye Agyarko has accused the Minority Spokesperson on Energy, Adams Mutawakilu, for misleading the public by claiming that the Ministry has not made any proposal to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to reduce electricity tariffs, as captured in the 2018 budget.

Responding to the claims at a meeting with CEOs of the energy sector agencies, the Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, said there were documents available to prove the proposal for reduction was sent as far back as November 2017.

Mr. Agyarko expressed surprise at Mr. Mutawakilu for making assumptions on the matter, and said the MP could have simply pushed for him to be summoned to Parliament to provide clarity.

“The Ministry sent a proposal to the PURC on the 17th of November, and he is welcome to see copies of these matters. Indeed, it is within his power as the ranking member to summon me to the Mines and Energy Committee [of Parliament] for such a verification.”

“…We have submitted our proposal and I can say that without the fear of contradiction, because I know that is what the truth is. The PURC responded to the proposals we have sent, and he is welcome to see copies of these because he is an officer of Parliament and an officer of State,” the Minister said.

Mr. Boakye Agyarko who accused the MP for failing to live up to the expectation as a Ranking Member of the Mines and Energy committee before commenting on the issue said “The action of the Ranking Member in itself is an abrogation of the responsibility to his committee and the people of Ghana.”

The government announced that it had recommended the review of electricity tariffs in the country to the PURC.

Government said it is hoping for an average reduction of 13 percent in electricity tariffs for residential consumers, whilst it is targeting a 21 percent drop for industrial consumers.

Reducing electricity tariffs was a major promise from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the 2016 elections.

Story By: Michael Creg Afful

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