Koforidua: The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has conducted strategic engagements with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) in the Eastern Region. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to providing regulatory oversight and enhancing utility services for consumers in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the engagements were led by Executive Secretary Dr. Shafic Suleman and included an inspection of a recently completed pro-poor water project at Nsutem-Bunsu, which now supplies safe drinking water to underserved communities. At a stakeholder session in Koforidua, Mr. Emmanuel Appoe, Acting Regional General Manager of ECG, revealed that the company serves over 450,000 customers across 14 districts, with 150,000 of them on prepaid meters. He outlined several initiatives aimed at reducing commercial losses and power outages, such as the Loss Reduction Programme (LRP), Operation Keep the Light On, Operation Zero Tripping, and boundary metering. Furthermore, plans to upgrade Koforidua's bulk supply point from 30MVA to 50MVA were disclosed to improve power stability and quality.
Dr. Suleman commended ECG's efforts and emphasized the need for intensive consumer education, citing provisions under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2413 to address non-compliance issues. He assured ECG of PURC's support in tackling operational challenges.
At GWL, Mr. Paul Akpanya, Eastern Regional Chief Manager, reported a 98 percent revenue collection rate, with a 10 percent peak in July, despite frequent power outages and rising chemical costs. He noted that six of the region's 30 water systems are non-functional due to raw water challenges, including high turbidity in the Birim River affecting operations at Osino and Bunso treatment plants. Infrastructure damage from third-party contractors and escalating production costs were also cited as constraints impacting the water company's efficient service delivery.
Dr. Suleman encouraged GWL to continue its public education efforts and pledged PURC's support in resolving power-related disruptions. He affirmed, "As Ghana advances toward universal access and sustainable infrastructure, PURC remains committed to bridging service gaps, empowering communities, and driving sectoral transformation."