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Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has opined that the persistent utility price hikes would lead to a collapse of the country.

The veteran journalist speaking on Adom FM Thursday argued that the frequent increment in electricity and water tariffs is leading to the collapse of several companies.

“This frequent tariff increment is gradually collapsing Ghana… let’s continue to increase and when they (companies) can’t afford, they would also lay off workers and we will all see the ripple effects…,” he said.

The PURC announced an increase in electricity and water tariffs by 59.2% and 67.2% respectively ahead of the Christmas season, to take effect from Monday December 14.

According to the PURC, it took into account the concerns of all stakeholders and had refused the higher increment providers demanded.

Kwesi Pratt insisted that the factors listed as accounting for the utility increment are not new to any consumer and can be reviewed.

“We talk of cost of production as if it is now God-given and nothing can be done about it. Let’s work on the level of inefficiency, corruption and several factors that influence it…and see if we cannot have a change in the cost of production…,” he said.

According to him, Ghanaians are not interested in just getting light, but would rather want an affordable electricity supply which he said should be the duty of government.

“We want affordable electricity and not electricity at any cost…it is the responsibility of government to provide light but that must be done at an affordable rate,” he added.