High cost of utility tariff is unbearable – Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association laments

The Ghana Hair Dressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA) has joined calls for the government to reconsider the current cost of utility tariffs.

According to the association, the frequent upward review in tariffs is hurting operators in their association.

Utility tariffs witnessed an increase in the first quarter of 2023 with electricity going up by 29.96%, whilst that of water by 8.3%.

As one of the sectors that depend heavily on water and electricity to execute their work, the association says the level of increment has become unbearable, particularly at this time of economic hardship.

Regional President of GHABA, Bernice Asantewaa Asantey, claimed that the high cost of utility has driven up the rates of their service, forcing customers to opt for the wearing of wigs, a trend that is hurting their business.

“The increase in utility bills is affecting us so much. Looking at the economy now, people are not getting a rise in salary but prices have increased. When someone wears the wigs it takes time before the person will come to the salon”.

She continued that the majority of women’s hairlines are being destroyed by the constant usage of wigs, even though wearing them is currently in style.

“People are having a receding hairline and hair loss; if they don’t have hair it means that we are out of business, although it’s fashion and it is convenient for the client.”

The association was also unhappy that the government failed to engage its members before going ahead with the upward adjustment in tariffs.

“We use electricity and water a lot. So government should do a consultation before coming out with such tariffs. Otherwise, it will affect citizens a lot. Right now, we also have to increase our prices but we are still debating on it”.

The association is part of many others like the Ghana Hotels Association, and the Association of Ghana Industries which have registered their displeasure with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) decision to increase utility tariffs.