The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr. Shafic Suleman, as part of his official working tour in the Ashanti Region, paid a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, on Friday, 4 April 2025. The visit forms part of the Commission’s deliberate and sustained efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration with key Stakeholders and discuss critical issues affecting water and electricity service delivery in the region.
Dr. Shafic expressed the team’s appreciation to the Minister for the warm reception and congratulated him on his appointment as Regional Minister. He emphasised that the visit was formal to introduce the Commission’s presence and leadership to the Minister and to explore collaborative strategies for addressing service delivery challenges in water and electricity.
Dr. Shafic also outlined the Commission’s national initiative, which aims at proactive stakeholder engagement, identifying utility service bottlenecks, and proposing solutions. The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is committed to providing timely interventions and plans to launch a virtual stakeholder platform for resolving real-time customer concerns.
“The PURC’s approach emphasizes the importance of stakeholder management in achieving successful outcomes. By engaging stakeholders, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing effective solutions, the Commission aims to enhance utility services and customer satisfaction.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene welcomed this initiative and confirmed his interest in participating and making the enabling environment for state institutions, including PURC, to carry out their mandate. “The Regional Minister, among others, is to facilitate the implementation of presidential policies and therefore pledged his full support to PURC’s activities in the region”.
According to Dr. Amoakohene, it appears there is a lack of effective communication from Utility Service Providers, particularly during planned maintenance exercises and emergency power outages, and that continue to be a major concern among residents and called for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and other utility service providers to improve their responsiveness, openness, and adopt an integrated and responsive communication strategy. “I have received many complaints regarding high utility tariffs, perceived expensive prepaid meters fees, access to potable water in hinterlands, and accessibility of fire hydrants, which are often obstructed, during fire outbreaks”
Dr. Frank Amoakohene concluded by reaffirming that his office remains open for continuous engagement and expressed optimism that proactive public engagement and service transparency will go a long way in reducing consumer dissatisfaction.
Dr Amoakohene accepted the proposal from Dr Shafic for the Commission to create a common WhatsApp platform for key stakeholders in the region to share information and offer real-time solutions to the challenges of electricity and water.
Dr. Shafic assured the Minister that the concerns raised would be factored into the Commission’s strategy for Ashanti as it remains a strategic priority for PURC.
The Executive Secretary of PURC was accompanied by Alhaji Jabaru Abukari, Director for Regional Operations and Consumer Services; Dr. Eric Kofi Obutey, Director for Research and Corporate Affairs; Mr. Leon Acquaye, Deputy Director, Regional Operations and Consumer Services responsible for the Southern Zone; Dr. Robert Tia Abdulai Aziz. Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Peter Agbemefor, Assistant Manager, Finance, and Mr Godfred Kwaku Ennin, the Secretary to the Executive Secretary.
The Ashanti regional team of PURC, comprising Mr. Edward Boduah, Regional Manager; Mr. Richard Asiedu, Regional Public Relations and External Affairs Officer; Mr. Frank Agyekuhene, Complaints Officer; Mr. Alex Asare, Complaints Officer; Ms Adubea Anita Ntim, Administrative Officer; and Mr. Francis Asenso Yeboah, Transport Officer were all present to assist in the success of the Executive Secretary’s tour of the region.
By Calvin Dodzi Powell
