The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has opened an office in Techiman, the regional capital of the Bono East Region. This is part of the Commission’s efforts to decentralize its operations to consumers, to protection of stakeholder interests, and to ensure the delivery of high-quality services by service providers.
The Techiman office is the eleventh regional office of the Commission and has been in operation since March 1, 2024. It is also the first office to be opened by the Commission in the newly created six administrative regions of the country.
The office has carried out several activities including complaint management, public education, and increased visibility. Some of these activities include: street walks, leaflet distribution, education for associations and groups and mass media education.
The office has so far received a total of one hundred and twelve (112) complaints including overbilling, delayed service connections, power outages, no water flow, coloured water, rotten poles, faulty meters, illegal connections, and non-payment of bills. The Commission satisfactorily resolved a total of one hundred and three (103) complaints lodged against the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and two (2) against Ghana Water Limited (GWL), with Seven (7) at various stages of investigations.
Through the efforts of the office, a total amount of GHC2,710.00 has been paid as adjustments passed in favour of two customers. The office is also facilitating the recovery of GHC2,954,040.00 owed NEDCo by both public and private customers in the region.
Alhaji Jabaru Abukari, Director of Regional Operations and Consumer Services (ROCS) of the PURC, during a two-day working visit to the region, underscored the need to bring utility service regulation to the doorsteps of consumers. He indicated that, the Commission will always prioritize high-quality service delivery over poor service delivery.
Alhaji Jabaru engaged the Utility Service Providers in the region (NEDCo and GWL) and officially informed them about the existence of the office in the region. He asked for their cooperation with the Commission to serve the good people of the Bono East Region. Speaking on Techiman-based Bonokyempem Radio, the Director called on the public to ensure harmonious working relations with the Regional Office, urging them to always seek clarification on issues pertaining to the provision of utility services to consumers.
He further stated that, consumers should first report any difficulty and challenges they face to the utility service providers, in their quest to acquire safe, adequate, reliable, reasonable and non-discriminatory supply of services. He added that consumers should not hesitate to complain to the Commission whenever their issues are not satisfactorily resolved by the Utility Service Providers.
The office is located on the first floor of Williams Residence, close to the Techiman Municipal Assemby (TMA) at Pomaakrom, Techiman. Contact details are as follows:
Address: P. O. Box TH 316 Techiman
Tel: 0531031443
Digital Address: BT-0009-4252
