By Evelyn ARTHUR
The leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has assured its members of continued engagement with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and power producers to ensure reasonable electricity costs for industries.
Speaking at the association’s regional annual general meeting (AGM) in Tema, Chief Executive Officer of AGI, Seth Twum Akwaboah, reminded members of an impending major tariff review expected before the end of 2025.
He urged members to trust in the association’s leadership to negotiate a balanced and fair adjustment with power sector stakeholders.
The major tariff review, which is held approximately every four years, has already generated apprehension among industry players — particularly as they continue to grapple with the impact of minor reviews (automatic tariff adjustments) over recent years.
“You have to prepare for a major tariff adjustment. What we are doing on your behalf is engaging government seriously to ensure that whatever tariff is announced will be fair and will not cripple industries,” Mr. Akwaboah assured members.
He acknowledged that while the cost of living remains high, it is equally important for power producers to remain viable in order to sustain electricity supply for industries. “We are mindful of the fact that the companies responsible for energy generation, transmission, and distribution are also businesses that must survive, because their non-performance will affect our production,” he stressed.
Mr. Akwaboah reiterated AGI’s commitment to continuous dialogue with stakeholders in the energy sector to secure fair and sustainable tariffs, warning that arbitrary increases could have dire consequences for the manufacturing sector.
In a related address, the Greater Accra East Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Samuel Oteng, urged industry players to be environmentally responsible. “Every activity has an environmental impact, but what matters is the measures put in place to mitigate the negative effects,” he stated.
He encouraged companies to adopt green initiatives to support the fight against climate change.
Touching on fees and charges for environmental permits, Mr. Oteng clarified that the EPA does not determine the cost of such services. “Parliament is responsible for approving fees and charges for government services,” he explained, noting that companies are categorised as micro, small, medium, or large-scale enterprises, each with corresponding fees approved by Parliament.
He also cautioned companies against allowing their licences to expire before applying for renewal, warning that penalties are imposed even if renewal delays by just one day.
Participants at the AGM reached a consensus on the need to implement measures to mitigate the negative impacts of industrial operations on the environment and human health.
The post AGI assures members of fair tariff negotiations appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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