Electricity Tariffs Hike 28%: Traders and Artisans Express Concerns Over Rising Costs in 2026

By: Isaac Boamah Darko

The high cost of electricity has become a flashpoint for Ghanaians, with a cross-section of small business owners decrying a 28% effective tariff increase that they say is devastating their livelihoods.

At The People’s Forum event, conversations with traders, hairdressers, barbers, and cold store operators painted a picture of economic hardship amid unkept political promises.

A presentation based on PURC data traced tariff developments: The NDC’s 2009-2016 tenure brought a 294.6% cumulative hike, including massive jumps like 90.93% in 2015 during ‘dumsor’ crises. The NPP (2017-2024) managed an 84.6% increase, offering relief through a 17.5% reduction in 2018 and no changes in multiple years.

Yet, current realities starkly contrast these records. Scaled block charges for residential users rose from 1.6093 GH¢ (0-300 kWh) in October 2024 to 2.1023 GH¢ by January 2026, with similar escalations for non-residential tariffs. Quarterly adjustments in 2025, driven by exchange rates and inflation, were flagged for over-projections, such as a 2.19% inflation over-pricing in Q1-Q2.

The People shared personal stories: A hairdresser noted, “My dryers run non-stop, but now tariffs mean I charge more or close shop.” Cold store operators warned of rising food prices due to higher cooling costs. The forum criticized the NDC’s 2024 manifesto for failing to deliver on Time-of-Use tariffs and affordability reviews.

Government officials were unavailable for comment, but the event has sparked calls for immediate tariff reduction to prevent further economic strain.