The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Ghanaians who rely on essential services provided by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), and the Volta River Authority (VRA).
Established under Act 538 of 1997, the Commission is mandated not only to regulate tariffs but also to ensure that utility providers deliver quality and reliable services.
Speaking in an interview on ATL FM 100.5 MHz on Wednesday, August, 20, 2025, the Central Regional Manager of the Commission, Mr. Francis Baidoo, stated that the Commission exists to ensure that consumers of public utility services are served satisfactorily and not only to implement tariffs.
“So, occasionally, we go to service providers to give them some benchmark to make sure that they live up to expectations. We do all those things to measure their standard of performance so that you and I, in case we go to the service providers, we go to their offices.”
“We make sure that they serve you better. PURC makes sure that the consumer, who is voiceless, who doesn’t have anybody to speak or to intervene on their behalf, the PURC has an authority and a mandate to talk about or speak on their behalf,” he noted.
Addressing concerns of bias towards the utility service providers, a Complaints Officer at the Commission, Ms. Nadia Aku Aryeequaye intimated that the Commission carefully investigates issues brought before it before deciding on it in a fair manner.”
“So, that’s how it is. But let me be very frank and tell you that we always make sure that there’s a fair deal between the parties because one of the functions of the commission is to make sure that there’s fairness in everything that we do. ”
“So, before we can come out with anything with regards to the function of the commission, we do investigation. So, many times, we do customer service satisfaction surveys. We go out, we speak to the public for them to know their views and interests. nd we put all those things into being a part of a research unit that’s listening or take views of what has been said by the consumers,” she emphasized.
The officials encouraged residents of the Central Region to take advantage of the Commission’s complaints and redress systems, stressing that all grievances are handled free of charge. Consumers can reach the PURC via WhatsApp or phone on 0540-126208, or visit their regional office at Tantri, Cape Coast.
Additionally, the PURC Central Region PRO, Shelter Seyram Doe urged the public to make use of digital tools such as the PURC Electricity Consumption Estimator (PECE) App, which enables consumers to track and monitor their utility consumption.
“As a regulator, what we ensure is that every customer is satisfied and that the utilities also do their work effectively so that we all get the best services that we want. If you are somewhere and you’re experiencing any challenge, feel free and come to PURC. We’ll be readily available to assist you to handle your issues at a free cost.”
The general public is also advised to make use of the Commission’s digital tools such as the PECE app to monitor their utility consumption.
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Source: Afote Asomdwoe Laryea/ATLFMNEWS