Nana Yaa Jantuah, the former Director of Public Relations and External Affairs at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has expressed reservations about the Commission’s effectiveness in recent times. She lamented the increasing politicisation of the Commission by the current government, citing concerns about undue political influence and interference in the PURC’s operations
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV, she believes that the situation at PURC would have been vastly improved if the management had received the necessary backing and support from President Akufo-Addo, suggesting that his leadership and guidance could have made a significant positive impact on the commission’s effectiveness.
Nana Yaa Jantuah lamented that the PURC is not receiving the same level of support from President Akufo-Addo as it did under previous administrations, stressing the urgent need for presidential intervention to resolve the ongoing conflict between PURC and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
She believes that the President’s backing is crucial to empower PURC to effectively carry out its regulatory duties “PURC has become politicised and a bit weak. Because if they weren’t, and they were given the kind of support [former president] H.E John Dramani Mahama, H.E J.E Atta-Mills, H.E J.A. Kufuor gave us. If they had that kind of presidential support, things would have been different,” She pointed out.
When asked if the PURC currently doesn’t have presidential support, she asserted, “I don’t think so.” She criticised the government for failing to back the PURC to deliver its mandate to utility consumers. “What he [President Akufo-Addo] has given to PURC is the fact that PURC is his advisor, the law categorically states that the PURC advises government…I do not think so, because if it was, some of the things that we’re seeing wouldn’t have happened.”
She underscored the need for a load-shedding timetable to help consumers plan their activities. “Whoever is there [PURC] should be on the side of consumers… Good quality of service also includes load shedding schedule…Certainly, there’s a need for load shedding,” She opined. She emphasised the need for the Electricity Company of Ghana to adhere to PURC’s advice.
“When PURC sanctions utility, you don’t behave the way ECG behaved. Because it’s cooperation, it’s a sector but you have somebody who is regulating the sector, and you need to listen to your regulator. It’s always good to listen to your regulator, and let your regulator help you if you have challenges,” she suggested. PURC and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have been at each other’s throats over issues relating to the power sector.
By: Leticia Osei
