PURC Executive Secretary tours Upper West Region to assess utility challenges

The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr Shafic Suleman, has embarked on his first regional tour with a visit to the Upper West Region.

The visit forms part of a broader initiative to familiarise himself with the Commission’s operations nationwide and engage with stakeholders in the utility sector.

During his visit, Dr Suleman paid a courtesy call on the Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, who also serves as Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC). 

He briefed the minister on the purpose of his visit, emphasising the PURC’s mandate to address challenges within the utility value chain. He explained that regional tours provide an opportunity to assess these challenges firsthand and develop tailored solutions to enhance service delivery.

Dr Suleman assured the minister of the Commission’s readiness to support the region in resolving issues related to water and electricity services. 

He encouraged the Regional Minister to reach out to the PURC whenever such challenges arise.

In response, Mr Puozuing expressed his gratitude for the visit and welcomed the PURC team to the region. He described Upper West as a “home” for the Commission and urged the team to address critical utility issues affecting the region. 

These include frequent power outages and water supply interruptions without prior notice, as well as power fluctuations along the Wa–Burkina Faso distribution line, which disrupt services in several communities, including the Wa Teaching Hospital.

The minister proposed the installation of a dedicated power line and transformer for the hospital to ensure uninterrupted services, considering its significance to the region.

Dr Suleman was accompanied by a delegation, including Alhaji Jabaru Abukari, Director for Regional Operations and Consumer Services; Dr Eric Kofi Obutey, Director for Research and Corporate Affairs; Mr Edmond Kweku Tuffour, Deputy Director for Regional Operations and Consumer Services (Northern Zone); Dr Robert Tia Abdulai Aziz, Head of Corporate Affairs; Reginald Osei Asibey, Finance Officer; and Ms Fauzia Tanko, Secretary to the Executive Secretary.

The Upper West Regional PURC team, led by Mr Ali Abdul Wadud, Regional Manager, was also present to support the visit. 

Other team members included Amin Bashiru Nuhu, Regional Public Relations and External Affairs Officer; Bilal Alhassan Pelpuo, Complaints Officer; Mrs Zenabu Gyamfi, Administrative Officer; and Mr Yussif Belko Mumuni, Transport Officer.