The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has held strategic engagements with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) in the Eastern Region.
During the engagements, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regulatory oversight and improved utility services to consumers.
Led by Executive Secretary Dr. Shafic Suleman, the tour included an inspection of a completed pro-poor water project at Nsutem–Bunsu, now supplying safe drinking water to underserved communities.
At a stakeholder session in Koforidua, Mr. Emmanuel Appoe, Acting Regional General Manager of ECG, indicated that the company served over 450,000 customers across 14 districts, with 150,000 on prepaid meters.

He outlined initiatives such as the Loss Reduction Programme (LRP), Operation Keep the Light On, Operation Zero Tripping, and boundary metering as efforts to curb commercial losses and power outages.
He further disclosed plans to upgrade the Koforidua’s bulk supply point from 30MVA to 50MVA to improve power stability and quality.
Dr. Suleman commended ECG’s efforts and called for intensive consumer education, citing provisions under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2413 to address non-compliance.
He assured the power company of PURC’s support in tackling operational challenges.
At GWL, Mr. Paul Akpanya, Eastern Regional Chief Manager, reported a 98 percent revenue collection rate, with a 10 percent peak in July, despite frequent power outages and rising chemical costs.
He said six of the region’s 30 water systems remained non-functional due to raw water challenges, including high turbidity in the Birim River, which has affected operations at Osino and Bunso treatment plants.
Infrastructure damage from third-party contractors and escalating production costs were also cited as some of the constraints challenging the water company efficient service delivery to consumers.
Dr. Suleman encouraged GWL to sustain its public education efforts and pledged PURC’s support in resolving power-related disruptions.
“As Ghana advances toward universal access and sustainable infrastructure, PURC remains committed to bridging service gaps, empowering communities, and driving sectoral transformation,” he said.