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PURC Inaugurates the Bunkpurugu Consumer Service Committee

The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 inaugurated the Bunkpurugu Consumer Service Committee of the North East region of Ghana.

Members of the Committee are: Mr. Libaar James Nangpukit (Chairman of the Committee), Mr. Louknaan Matthew (Secretary), Madam Miika Magdalene (Organizing Secretary), Mr. Namloar Damir (Member), and Mr. Baayur Samuel (Member).

In his opening remarks at the inauguration ceremony, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Ishmael Ackah welcomed and expressed his thanks to the five-member Committee for voluntarily accepting to join the Committee. He tasked the Committee with the mandate of engaging stakeholders in their communities, and educating consumers on their rights and responsibilities with respect to consumption and utilisation of utility services.

Dr. Ackah further remarked that the Commission is happy to work with them and committed to providing the Committee with the necessary support to effectively deliver on their mandate. He admonished the Committee to be diligent in their service to stakeholders and uphold the “refereeing” mandate of the Commission impartially.

The Director, Regional Operations and Consumer Services of PURC, Alhaji Abukari Jabaru also advised members of the Committee to reflect the ethics and morals of the Commission as they embark on the operational activities of their mandate. This according to him is important to protect the integrity of the Commission.

Dr. Eric Obutey, Director, Research and Corporate Affairs of PURC also reiterated the demanding nature of the tasks and expectations of the Committee, citing the need to constantly adhere to the laid down channels of complaints and communication within the Commission. He also urged the team to work hand-in-hand with the Commission to ensure that at all times stakeholder complaints are effectively addressed.

Present at the inauguration ceremony were a section of Management and Staff of the PURC including the Executive Secretary, Dr. Ishmael Ackah; Director, Regional Operations and Consumer Services, Alhaji Abukari Jabaru; Director, Research and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Eric Obutey; Head, Consumer Service Committees, Mr. Edmund Kweku Tufour; Head, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Robert Tia Aziz; PURC Upper East Regional Manager, Mr. Seth Kponyo; Head, Executive Secretary’s Secretariat, Ms. Maame Esi Eshun; and PURC Public Relations Officer of the Upper East Region, Mr. Mohammed Adam Suleiman.

Consumer Service Committees established under Part 3 Section 31 of the PURC Act 1997, (Act 538) act as the ‘eyes of the Commission’ with respect to the activities of the regulated utilities, in strategic and far/hard-to-reach locations of the country where the Commission has no offices. The Committees intercede on behalf of consumers and consult with utility service providers on matters affecting consumers in their areas, informing the Commission on service quality delivery and issues facing consumers within their locality.  They also make recommendations to the Commission on how best to improve services to consumers in those communities and educate consumers on their rights and responsibilities.

Members of the Bunkpurugu Consumer Service Committee will serve a term of four years. So far, the Commission has established Consumer Service Committees in six regions of Ghana including Sekondi (Western Region), Obuasi (Ashanti Region), Tumu (Upper West Region), Damongo (Savannah Region), Sefwi Wiawso (Western North Region), and Bunkpurugu (North East Region).

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