By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
The Ashanti Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has successfully resolved 90.9 percent of consumer complaints lodged against the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) during the first half of 2025.
According to the mid-year report, the regional office received a total of 803 complaints between January and June. Of these, 730 cases were fully addressed. A significant 760 complaints—representing 94.8 percent of the total were directed at ECG, while 42 complaints representing 5.2 percent concerned GWL.
The Commission’s intervention also led to the recovery of about GH¢65,780 in refunds for affected utility consumers, in addition to a little over GH¢114,600 recouped as revenue for the regulated utilities.
In a related development, PURC facilitated the payment of GH¢6,000 by road construction companies to GWL as compensation for damaged water distribution infrastructure.
As part of operational support to improve service delivery, the office facilitated the replacement of 12 faulty electric poles, 10 defective transformers, and nine malfunctioning energy meters. Six delayed service connections were also completed, while 30 pipe bursts were repaired with PURC’s assistance.
Beyond complaint resolution, the Ashanti Regional Office intensified its community engagement efforts under its ‘Community Regulatory Tour’ initiative. The outreach targeted residents in Petriensa, Kyekyebiase, Juansa, Domeabra, and Pekyerekye in the Asante Akim North District.
During the tour, officials educated community members on key regulatory concerns, including meter reading frequency, delivery of monthly bills, and supply reliability. Consumers were also sensitised on the kinds of grievances they could report to the Commission for redress. To enhance accessibility and strengthen public interaction, the team distributed contact leaflets to enable consumers to reach the PURC Regional Office more easily in times of utility-related concerns.
The Public Relations Officer, PURC Ashanti Region, Richard Asiedu, at a press briefing to present the mid-year activities, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting transparency, fairness, and improved utility service delivery across the region.
In addition, the PURC, Ashanti Regional office further engaged consumers at the Nkawie Market in the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal of the Ashanti Region through its ‘Market Connect’ initiative. This programme aims to increase awareness about their mandate among other things.
According to Mr. Asiedu, “this is to enhance consumer awareness, promote transparency and accountability and resolve consumer complaints”.
