The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has inaugurated a Consumer Services Committee in Damongo, Regional Capital of the Savannah Region of Ghana. This is part of the Commission's continued and deliberate efforts to bring its services  closer to the doorsteps of the general public in areas, where the Commission has no offices. The Committee, will however, report its activities to the Northern Regional Office of the PURC

According to Dr. Ishmael Ackah, Executive Secretary of the PURC, this is in line with section 31 of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act, 1997 (Act 538). The Committee among other functions is; to make representations to, and consult with the regulated public utilities, on matters that affect consumers in their areas of jurisdiction; to keep under constant review, issues affecting the interests of consumers;  to educate customers on their rights, and responsibilities with respect to utility services provision and on the conservation of utility services; to advise the Commission on matters relating to utility services and matters affecting customers referred to the Committee;  to monitor the performance of utilities in the location of the Committee.

Dr. Ackah recounted briefly  experiences of the Committee Members that make them suitable to carry out their assigned task and duties;

Committee Members

Mr. Abdul-Naizer Fuseini hails from Larabanga, a suburb of the Damongo Constituency. He holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marketing from the Tamale Polytechnic and a Diploma in Fashion and Design from the Accra Fashion Designer College. He currently owns a designer shop in the Damongo Township and is an Information Service Officer at the Damongo District Health Service.

Mr. Rashid Abubakari comes from Abinkga-Kura, a suburb of Damongo. He attended Damongo Senior High School and later graduated from Bagabaga College of Education with a Diploma in Basic Education. Mr. Abubakari holds a Bachelor of Education degree in Mathematics from Valley View University and a second degree in Mathematics from the University of Cape Coast.

Mr. Abubakari has worked as a Sales Representative for Wurbina Enterprise, as Chief Executive Officer of Star Vision Printing Center, and as Form Master of Jakpa Junior High School. He is currently the subject master of Ndewura Jakpa Senior High/Tech School.

Madam Rose Mark Lermu is a native of Damongo. She obtained her middle school certificate from Mole Continuation and a certificate in computing from Sawaba Computer Service Limited. She is the leader of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association in Damongo and a designer by profession. Madam Lermu communicates clearly and effectively and worked with people with different sociocultural and religious backgrounds for the past years. She exhibits boundless knowledge in community mobilization and engagement. As a leader of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, she is clothed with great organizational skills and is familiar with the dynamism of all organized consumer groups in the Damongo enclave. She also has average knowledge of the operations of the PURC, and the regulated utilities. She has great knowledge of the communities in Damongo, and demonstrates good communication skills.

Mr. Isaac Sheini Gunu is a native of Damongo, who obtained his middle school certificate from the Nyohini Presby Middle School. He subsequently studied at the National Vocational Institute where he graduated with a Driver Mechanic Grade 1 and Electrical Engineering Grade 2. Mr. Gunu worked as an Electrical Insulation expect and Engine Attendant at the Ndewura Jakpa Senior High School in Damongo. He currently works as a Contract Staff with the West Gonja Stool Lands carrying the  responsibilities of data and revenue collection. He is endowed with good communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Mr. B.A. Jimah is a native of Damongo. He joined the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in 1982 and rose through the ranks with relevant training programs from the GWCL Weija Training School to obtain certificates in Water Works Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III. He also had training in Basic / Pumping water treatment. Mr. Jimah has thirty-five years of working experience with GWCL. He has excellent skills in the basics of good communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Concluding Remarks

Dr. Ackah in his concluding remarks indicated that, the Consumer Services Committee (CSC) will help resolve complaints affecting the interests of consumers, monitor the performance of the utilities, and advise the Commission on matters relating to utility services provision and matters affecting consumers to ensure improvement in quality service delivery.