In a strongly worded address, Nana Yaa Jantuah, Chairperson of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) Stakeholder Committee, has criticized the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) for its erratic power supply in the Upper East Region. Her remarks came during a public hearing in Bolgatanga, where stakeholders gathered to discuss proposed tariff adjustments for the 2026–2030 period.
Mrs. Jantuah expressed her disappointment with NEDCo’s performance, citing her own experience with frequent power outages in the region.
“I have had to endure nine power outages at my residence, which is unacceptable. It is appalling that NEDCo is unable to provide reliable service, and I urge them to improve their performance,” she said.
As the body responsible for regulating utility tariffs, the PURC remains committed to ensuring that consumers receive value for money. Mrs. Jantuah, however, stressed that utility providers must also meet their obligations to customers.
“We cannot expect consumers to pay for services they do not receive. NEDCo must improve its service delivery to justify any tariff increases,” she added.
The public hearing — attended by residents, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders — provided a platform for stakeholders to voice their concerns and contributions regarding the proposed tariff adjustments. Mrs. Jantuah cautioned that the PURC would not hesitate to impose sanctions on utility providers that fail to meet performance standards.
She further emphasized the importance of consumer responsibility in ensuring sustainable service delivery.
“We urge consumers to fulfill their responsibilities by paying their bills on time. This will enable utility providers to improve their services and ensure a reliable supply of electricity and water,” she noted.
The PURC’s nationwide consultations on tariff adjustments aim to gather stakeholder feedback before final decisions are made. The commission is expected to conclude its hearings in the coming weeks and announce its final determinations before the end of the year. The outcome is anticipated to have a significant impact on consumers across Ghana, with many awaiting the commission’s verdict.
The PURC’s commitment to holding utility providers accountable is commendable. It is hoped that these actions will lead to improved service delivery and foster a more equitable relationship between providers and consumers. As the commission continues its engagements nationwide, it remains crucial that the voices of consumers are prioritized and that service providers are held to the highest standards of performance.
By: Maurice Duncan
