The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, on 14th April, 2022 launched a Media Fellowship to among other things deepen the relationship between the Commission and the media and other stakeholders, build the capacity of members of the fellowship for accurate and ensure timely reportage on the activities and operations of the Commission and to also improve on the transparency and accountability of the Commission.

Speaking at the launch of the fellowship, the board chairman of PURC, Mr. Ebo B. Quagrainie called on the media to desist from false reportage. He also indicated that the Commission has not reviewed Tariffs as has been speculated in the media space.

Mr. Ebo added that, the decision by the Commission in respect of rates chargeable for public utility service, monitoring of performance, establishment of benchmarks and policy directives help to balance the interest of consumers and utility service providers.

He also mentioned that, these and many other functions has necessitated the establishment of a media fellowship for the Commission.

The Executive Secretary, Dr. Ishmael Ackah mentioned that the purpose of the fellowship is to help the Commission balance the interests of utilities and consumers by communicating effectively with all stakeholders. He further stated the fellowship will help deal with information asymmetry. The Executive Secretary mentioned that, members of the fellowship will also periodically receive training to better understand and report accurately on regulatory operations and decisions of the Commission.

In attendance for the inaugural ceremony were Mr. Ebo B Quagrainie (Chairman PURC), Board Members Mr. Patrick Nyarko and Dr. Kwabena Otoo, Dr. Ishmael Ackah (Executive Secretary), Mr. Kofi Kapito of the Consumer Protection Agency, and staff of the Commission.