The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has assured consumers in Ghana's Northern Region that it is working to ensure they receive high-quality services and fair tariffs. This assurance was given by Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC, during an interview in Tamale. The PURC's core mandate is to protect the interests of Ghanaian consumers while also ensuring that investors' interests in the utility sector are protected.
The PURC recently visited utility service providers in the Northern Region to assess their operations and evaluate investments made following the latest tariff review. The delegation visited Nawuni and Dalun in the Kumbungu District to inspect the infrastructure of Ghana Water Limited and met with the management of Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited in Tamale. These visits aimed to determine if investments were addressing consumer concerns.
Dr. Suleman emphasized that the PURC is closely monitoring utility service providers to ensure that tariff-supported investments translate into improved service quality and reliability for consumers. Following a 9% tariff adjustment at the beginning of the year, utility service providers were expected to undertake investments to improve service delivery. The PURC is verifying that these investments benefit Ghanaian consumers.
Reliable water supply remains a significant challenge in the region, particularly during the dry season. Although water production has increased, additional projects are planned to improve the situation. Dr. Suleman assured consumers that the PURC is working to address these challenges and ensure that utility service providers meet their expectations.
The PURC's efforts to protect consumer interests include monitoring investments made by utility service providers. Dr. Suleman stated that the commission is evaluating whether utilities are using investments to benefit Ghanaian consumers. This monitoring aims to ensure that consumers receive quality services and fair tariffs.
The Northern Region faces unique challenges in terms of utility service delivery. The PURC's visits to utility service providers in the region aimed to identify areas for improvement and assess the effectiveness of investments made. By engaging with consumers and utility service providers, the PURC can better understand regional needs and develop targeted solutions.
The PURC's assurance to consumers in the Northern Region reflects its commitment to protecting their interests and promoting quality services. As the commission continues to monitor utility service providers and evaluate investments, consumers can expect improved service delivery and fair tariffs. The PURC's efforts will help ensure that utility services meet the needs of Ghanaian consumers.
Key points
- PURC is working to ensure quality services and fair tariffs for consumers in Northern Region.
- The commission is monitoring utility service providers to ensure tariff-supported investments benefit consumers.
- Reliable water supply remains a challenge in the region, with additional projects planned to improve the situation.
