The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) handled 591 complaints from consumers in the Upper East and North East Regions regarding service providers in 2024.

Of these complaints, 550, or 93.06%, were resolved, with ongoing efforts to address the remaining issues in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.

The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) received the bulk of the complaints, with 556 lodged against it. Mr. Pius Ikililu Abdulai, the Upper East Regional Complaint Resolution Officer for PURC, shared this information at the Commission's year-end gathering in Bolgatanga.

He noted that 92.8% of complaints against NEDCo had been resolved through the Commission’s intervention.

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) faced 26 complaints, of which 96.1% were resolved, while nine complaints were filed against consumers.

Mr. Abdulai also disclosed that GH₡28,000 was recovered from consumers on behalf of the service providers, with GH₡25,000 going to NEDCo and GH₡3,000 to GWL.

“In the same vein, we have had GH₡22,642,98 passed as adjustment in favour of consumers which otherwise would have been paid by customers if not for the intervention of the Commission.

“And out of the total amount GH₡20,993.12 was passed in favour of customers of NEDCo while GH₡1,649.86 was passed in favour of customers of GWL,” he said.Mr. Abdulai highlighted that the PURC is focused on improving service delivery by conducting sensitization efforts across communities, businesses, and institutions, among others.

He explained that, with the Commission’s intervention, various maintenance projects, including transformer replacements, upgrades to high-tension wooden poles, and meter changes, have been carried out by service providers.

He emphasized that these efforts have significantly improved the lives of consumers, enhanced the performance of service providers, and fostered stronger relationships between service providers and their customers.

Mr. Seth Kponyo, the Upper East Regional Manager, thanked stakeholders for their cooperation with the Commission throughout the year. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working in the best interest of both service providers and consumers in the region.

He encouraged stakeholders and the public to approach the PURC with their complaints, assuring that the Commission is dedicated to addressing challenges and improving service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Mr. Eric Boahen, Area Manager of NEDCo, expressed gratitude to the PURC for its assistance in resolving complaints against the company. He reiterated NEDCo’s dedication to providing quality service and called for ongoing cooperation.

Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed, Commercial Manager at GWL, reassured customers of improved services and reiterated that their doors are always open for engagement. He urged the public to seek help whenever they encounter challenges.