Government is Considering Proposals to Provide Free Electricity – Kyei Mensah Bonsu

The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu says Cabinet is considering a waiver in electricity tariffs for Ghanaians.

 This comes after calls from various quarters including Minority in Parliament and former President John Mahama who argued that, absorbing electricity tariff will ease the burden on citizens in this period where economic activities have been significantly affected by the covid-19 pandemic.

Osei Keyi Mensah Bonsu said the government is considering all options before such a decision is made.

He stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected the country’s revenues and as such, any such decision on waivers must be carefully thought through.

“The president has since last week been talking about this, that he is considering whether or not the nation will have money. This matter has come before Cabinet. Cabinet is discussing it and Cabinet will make a decision. Of course, you have to look at the inflows. Don’t forget that revenues have cascaded downwards, petroleum revenue, tax revenue too, and now there is a slowdown,” the Suame legislator said.

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He said the country’s economy risks getting into a difficult position if the pandemic continues for the next four months.

Meanwhile, Ghanaians have started benefiting from a government waiver on water tariffs.

The intervention, according to President Nana Akufo-Addo is to last for the months of April, May and June.

The president urged the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana to ensure the stable supply of water and electricity during the period.

He also indicated that arrangements were being made for communities that do not enjoy water supply to be served by water tankers.