The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr. Shafic Suleman, has embarked on a maiden working visit to the Northern Region, signaling a renewed commitment by the Commission to bridge gaps between regulators and utility providers while championing improved service delivery for residents in the area.
Dr. Suleman’s visit, was aimed at formally introducing himself to regional utility stakeholders, understanding their operational difficulties, and fostering a more collaborative regulatory environment.
The engagements form part of a broader strategy to strengthen service reliability and enhance customer satisfaction in Ghana’s utility sectors.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement session, Dr. Suleman urged utility companies to prioritize customer service and operational efficiency.
“The Commission stands ready to serve as a bridge in stakeholder engagements and to advocate for improved operational conditions, but we expect service providers to equally demonstrate commitment to quality and accountability.”
Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC
During his visit, Dr. Suleman held a series of high-level meetings with key service providers, including the management teams of Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL).
He emphasized the importance of open communication and encouraged providers to be proactive in collaborating with the Commission to resolve sector challenges.
The PURC Executive Secretary highlighted that effective utility regulation cannot thrive in isolation.
He stated, “Your success is our success,” adding that utility companies must lean on the Commission’s regional presence as a resource for guidance and support in addressing both internal and external operational hurdles.
As part of his visit, Dr. Suleman and his team inspected several ongoing Pro-Poor Water Projects in the Tamale South Constituency.
These projects, aimed at improving water accessibility in underserved communities, reflect the Commission’s emphasis on social equity in public utility delivery.
“We are not only interested in top-level discussions.
“Understanding the ground realities and seeing firsthand how projects impact communities is crucial to designing better regulatory responses.”
Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC
Addressing Operational Challenges and Promoting Accountability
In closed-door discussions, the utility service providers acknowledged the pressing challenges confronting their operations, including infrastructure limitations, funding constraints, and illegal electricity connections. They expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and morale-boosting.
Dr. Suleman urged the leadership of NEDCo to implement targeted incentive programs for their Loss Control Teams.
“Motivation is key. Teams tasked with reducing system losses and identifying illegal connections need to feel empowered and appreciated.
“Their role is critical to financial sustainability and service reliability.”
Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC
Utility managers used the opportunity to appeal for regulatory backing on pending investment proposals.
They argued that approval for capital-intensive projects, such as grid upgrades and water infrastructure improvements, is essential to meeting the service expectations of the growing population in the Northern Region.
Dr. Suleman assured them of the Commission’s openness to facilitating viable investment plans, provided they align with national benchmarks and customer interests.
“We are not gatekeepers of stagnation.
“The Commission is committed to facilitating progress while ensuring that consumers receive value for money.”
Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC
Dr. Suleman was accompanied by a high-powered delegation from the PURC Head Office. The team included Director of Regional Operations and Consumer Services, Alhaji Jabaru; Director of Research and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Eric Obutey; Director of Energy Services and Performance Monitoring, Ing. Oblitey; Deputy Director for Northern Operations, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Kweku Tuffuor; and Head of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Robert Tia Abdulai Aziz.
Their presence underscored the Commission’s commitment to integrating cross-functional expertise in its regulatory outreach efforts.
Dr. Suleman’s visit to the Northern Region marks a pivotal step in deepening regulatory engagement and ensuring that the interests of both service providers and consumers are adequately addressed.
As the utility landscape evolves amidst growing demand and infrastructural pressures, PURC’s renewed presence and active dialogue in the regions may serve as a crucial lever in driving transparency, efficiency, and sustainable service delivery across the country.
READ ALSO: Ghana Fire Service Records Major Progress Amid Resource Constraints
