Mahama petitioned over alleged PURC tariff irregularities, governance concerns and AKSA Power deal

President John Dramani Mahama has been petitioned to order an investigation into a series of alleged irregularities surrounding the operations and decisions of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

The petition, dated September 14, 2026, raises serious concerns about the determination of electricity tariffs, the imposition of an EMOP levy, the recovery of charges from electricity consumers and the governance of the PURC.

It also calls for scrutiny of alleged interference in the management of the regulatory body, concerns surrounding the PURC Board and the approval of a tariff for the AKSA Power Takoradi project.

The petitioner is calling for an independent, impartial and comprehensive investigation into the matters raised, arguing that they could have significant implications for consumer protection, fair competition, public finances and confidence in Ghana’s electricity market.

Petition raises red flags over PURC tariff decisions

One of the major concerns raised in the petition relates to what the petitioner describes as alleged preferential electricity tariffs for certain steel companies.

According to the petition, some Ghanaian industrial companies are reportedly paying higher tariffs for electricity than certain steel companies operating under the energy-intensive consumer category.

The petitioner claims that during PURC’s most recent major tariff review, the Commission’s Board approved electricity tariffs for certain steel companies that were allegedly significantly lower than the normal industrial tariff applicable to Ghanaian industrial consumers.

The petition questions the basis for what it describes as the preferential treatment.

‘Why are some companies paying less?’

The petitioner states that, as an interested person whose family owns shares in one of the affected businesses, attempts were made to engage representatives of some of the affected steel companies to understand the basis for the allegedly preferential tariffs.

The concerns raised centre on whether the tariff arrangements were properly determined and whether all industrial consumers are being treated fairly under the regulatory framework.

If established, such disparities could raise questions about fair competition, transparency and equal treatment of electricity consumers, particularly businesses operating within Ghana’s industrial sector.

EMOP levy also comes under scrutiny

The petition also calls for an investigation into the imposition of the EMOP levy, with the petitioner seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding its introduction and administration.

The matter has been presented as part of broader concerns over how electricity-related charges are determined and recovered from consumers.

The petitioner wants the relevant decisions and processes examined to establish whether they were properly authorised and implemented.

PURC governance questioned

Beyond electricity tariffs, the petition raises concerns about the governance and administration of PURC.

The petitioner is seeking an investigation into what he describes as possible interference in the management of the Commission, as well as concerns relating to the PURC Board.

Questions have also been raised about the conduct and independence of members of the Board and the Executive Secretary.

The petition argues that the independence and credibility of the country’s electricity regulator are critical to maintaining confidence in Ghana’s energy sector.

AKSA Power tariff approval raises questions

Another major issue highlighted in the petition is the approval of a tariff for the AKSA Power Takoradi project.

The petitioner is calling for the circumstances surrounding the tariff approval to be investigated as part of the broader review of PURC’s decisions and regulatory processes.

The AKSA Power matter has therefore been placed alongside the concerns over electricity tariffs, consumer charges and PURC governance as issues requiring presidential attention.

Calls for independent investigation

The petitioner is asking President Mahama to ensure that the allegations are subjected to a thorough and independent investigation rather than being dismissed without scrutiny.

According to the petition, the issues raised have potential implications for consumer protection, fair competition, public finances and confidence in Ghana’s electricity market.

The petitioner also makes a distinction between information personally obtained or verified through official sources and allegations submitted by third parties, stressing the need for investigators to independently establish the facts.

Spotlight turns to PURC

The petition now places the operations and decisions of PURC under renewed scrutiny, particularly regarding how electricity tariffs are determined and how different categories of consumers are treated.

For Ghanaian businesses and consumers already grappling with electricity costs, questions surrounding tariff fairness and transparency are likely to attract significant public interest.

The petition ultimately asks the President to ensure that the allegations are properly investigated and that any wrongdoing established through the process is dealt with accordingly.

For now, the matters remain allegations contained in the petition, and no finding of wrongdoing has been established against PURC officials, Board members or any of the companies mentioned.

The spotlight, however, is now firmly on PURC, its tariff decisions and the regulatory processes surrounding Ghana’s power sector.