Hotels Cry Foul: Outrage Over Shocking 167% Water Tariff Hike in Ghana
The Ghana Hotels Association has taken a stand against exorbitant water tariffs and other challenges affecting its members by submitting a formal petition to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). The Association expressed alarm over the unexpected increase in water costs, highlighting the detrimental impact on its members’ businesses.
Initially expecting a modest 8.3 percent adjustment in water tariffs, in line with PURC’s announcement earlier in the year, the hoteliers were instead confronted with an alarming 167 percent surge in their water bills for February 2023.
Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike, President of the Association, expressed deep concern at the unforeseen tariff hike and urged for swift action to rectify the situation.
In addition to the water tariff crisis, the Association emphasized several other pressing issues negatively impacting Ghana’s hospitality sector.
These concerns include multiple water tariff increases throughout the year, the persistent retention of the COVID-19 levy despite the global pandemic situation easing, steep rises in property rates, and deteriorating road conditions affecting tourism.
Dr. Ackah-Nyamike pointed out the urgent need for the government to reassess the substantial property rate increments, which are placing undue burden on already struggling businesses, including hotels.
The Association also called for special attention to be given to highways connecting vital tourist sites and pressed for greater transparency in the disbursement of the Tourism Development Fund, citing its pivotal role in supporting tourism trade associations.
The Association’s president also addressed several other pertinent issues, such as compulsory hotel membership, copyright royalty concerns, funding for training initiatives, and a more effective utilization of the Public Private Partnership Forum (PPPF) as mandated by the Tourism Act.
Highlighting the gravity of these challenges, Dr. Ackah-Nyamike Jnr emphasized the necessity for swift action in order to safeguard the hotel industry’s sustainability and ensure the continued growth of Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The Association’s petition underlines its commitment to these matters, even raising the prospect of staging protests at the PURC’s offices if the concerns are not adequately addressed.
