The Ashanti Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has intensified its consumer engagement campaign by visiting 10 communities across the region to gather first-hand information on the quality of electricity and water services provided by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Limited (GWL).
The exercise forms part of the Commission’s mandate to protect the interests of utility consumers while ensuring that service providers meet acceptable standards of service delivery.
The communities visited were Nkawie, Esereso Adagya, IPT, Afrancho Krobo, Bremang UGC, Afrancho Bronkong, Ashanti Agogo, Kwadaso Estate, Mankranso and Tafo Mile 4.
During the engagements, residents openly shared the challenges they face in accessing electricity and water services. Among the major concerns raised were persistent power outages, low voltage, irregular water supply, inaccurate and irregular billing, as well as inadequate public notification before planned power interruptions.
Many consumers appealed to the Commission to ensure that utility providers respond promptly to faults and improve communication with customers whenever service interruptions become unavoidable.
Beyond receiving complaints, officials of the PURC used the opportunity to educate residents on their rights and responsibilities as utility consumers. Consumers were taken through the Commission’s complaint resolution procedures and informed about the various channels available for reporting concerns regarding electricity and water services.
To enhance access to the Commission, PURC distributed contact leaflets containing its official communication channels, encouraging consumers to report service-related challenges for prompt intervention.
According to the Commission, the concerns gathered during the outreach exercise will not end with the community engagements. PURC indicated that it will formally engage the Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Water Limited to address the issues raised and ensure that consumers receive improved utility services.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers, promoting accountability among utility service providers and ensuring reliable electricity and water supply across the Ashanti Region.
PURC further urged consumers not to remain silent whenever they experience poor utility services but to report their concerns through the Commission’s established complaint channels, stressing that consumer feedback remains essential in improving service delivery.
The outreach initiative forms part of PURC’s broader efforts to strengthen consumer confidence, promote transparency and ensure that the voices of utility consumers are reflected in regulatory decisions aimed at enhancing electricity and water service delivery throughout the region.
