AGI members consider mass layoffs, shift to importation over high utility costs
Members of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) are considering laying off hundreds of workers as they move from manufacturing to importation, citing high utility costs.
The threat comes after government announced an increase in utility tariffs effective July 1, 2026.
Electricity tariffs will go up by 3.49 percent, while water tariffs will rise by 0.85 percent.
A leading member of AGI in the Bono, Ashanti, Ahafo, and Bono East Regions, Mr. Kwasi Nyamekye, revealed this in an interview with OTEC News’ Dr. Cash on the Afternoon Political Show, Dwabrem, on Thursday.
“With these utility hikes, many of our members are now considering laying off hundreds of workers.
“Some are even thinking of moving from manufacturing to importation because production in Ghana has become too expensive,” Mr. Nyamekye said.
He argued that the tariff increase is untimely given current economic conditions.
“For some time now the exchange rate is stable and crude oil prices on the international market have declined. So why this tariff increase?” he asked.
Mr. Nyamekye warned that if government and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, PURC, do not reconsider the decision, manufacturing companies will suffer the brunt and jobs will be lost.
AGI is urging authorities to engage industry players before implementing the new rates.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
