The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr. Shafic Suleman, has emphasised the need for effective stakeholder collaboration in addressing challenges in the utility sector to promote national development.

Dr. Suleman made this call during his nationwide tour of regional offices of both the Commission and utility service providers, which concluded in Techiman, Bono East Region.

Enhancing Collaboration and Addressing Challenges

The tour aimed to enhance collaborations, identify challenges, and develop solutions to address these challenges, as well as provide firsthand knowledge about the operations of these offices for efficient utility sector regulation. Dr. Suleman urged the staff of the Bono East Regional Office of the Commission to maintain professionalism and teamwork to uphold the Commission’s vision for modern utility regulation.

Commitment to Quality Service Delivery

At the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), the Area Manager, Mr. John Mumuni Tayari, highlighted the company’s commitment to ensuring that consumers receive the highest quality electricity supply. He expressed delight with the level of collaboration between the Commission and NEDCo and pledged to continue the cordial cooperation.

Challenges and Solutions

Dr. Suleman and Mr. Tayari discussed some of the challenges facing the utility sector, including the influx of illegal meters, Self-Help Electrification Projects (SHEP) meters, and capacity issues. They agreed on the need for effective collaborations to resolve these challenges and provide solutions.

Visit to Pro-Poor Water Project Site

The Executive Secretary’s visit concluded with a visit to a pro-poor water project site at Bibiani in the Nkoranza South municipality, where he inspected a completed mechanized borehole system ready for handing over to the beneficiary community.

PURC’s Commitment to Efficient Utility Sector Regulation

The PURC remains committed to efficient utility sector regulation and looks forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders to address challenges and promote national development.

The ES entourage included some Directors, Management and staff of the PURC including Alhaji Jabaru Abukari, (Director of Regional Operations & Consumer Services), Ing. Emmanuel Fiati (Director of Water Services and Performance Monitoring), Dr. Eric Obutey (Director of Research & Corporate Affairs), Ing. Frederick Oblitey (Director of Energy Services and Performance Monitoring), Mr. Stephen Bryan of the Regional Operations Directorate, Mr. Charles Biney of the Research & Corporate Affairs, Mr. Reginald Osei Assibey of Finance Department, Mr. Godfred Ennin and Ms. Fauzia Tanko from the ES Secretariat.