By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
The Ashanti Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) recovered over GH₵81.86million for utility service providers in 2025, as intensified regulatory enforcement and consumer complaint resolution activities gathered pace across the region.
In the same period, the commission also facilitated adjustments in favour of consumers, compensation and other interventions amounting to GH₵503,177, reflecting a dual mandate of protecting consumer interests while ensuring the financial sustainability of utility companies.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference to present the Commission’s report for the year 2025, Public Relations Officer Richard Asiedu noted that a total of 1,599 complaints were received in 2025, comprising 1,295 cases against the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), 86 cases against Ghana Water Limited (GWL) and 218 complaints were lodged by distribution service providers—mainly GWL—against consumers. Out of this number, 1,326 complaints were successfully resolved, translating into a resolution rate of 82.9 percent.
The complaint figures represent a 27.4 percent increase compared to the 1,161 cases recorded in 2024, a development the commission attributes to its deliberate strategy to enhance visibility and accessibility across the Ashanti Region.
“The rise in reported cases is indicative of expanded community monitoring activities, complaints clinic programmes, stakeholder engagements and broader regulatory initiatives, supported by the dedication of regional staff to position the commission as a transparent, efficient and effective regulator.
Notably, several complaints were received through over 42 WhatsApp platforms created by the regional office for Assembly Members, enabling them to report utility-related issues from their respective communities regardless of location,” Mr. Asiedu highlighted.
Beyond complaint resolution, the commission facilitated key infrastructure and service improvements during the year. These included the replacement of 21 electricity poles—comprising two 9-metre wooden poles and one 11-metre wooden pole—largely undertaken by ECG at a cost of GH₵97,374.00, benefitting more than 16,010 consumers.
Additionally, 14 faulty metres were replaced, alongside 10 new service connections, at a total cost of GH₵40,306.00, directly benefitting about 120 customers.
To strengthen power supply capacity, Mr. Asiedu mentioned that six 200kVA/33 transformers were added to eleven 200kVA/11 transformers, collectively serving an estimated 16,000 consumers. The transformer upgrade exercise cost GH₵1.36million.
On the water supply front, the office recorded 22 pipe bursts across various GWL districts in 2025, affecting approximately 28,000 customers. Repairs were carried out at a total cost of GH₵182,440.00.
Mr. Asiedu further added that these interventions demonstrate the commission’s commitment to balance consumer protection with utility performance, while improving service delivery and regulatory confidence in the Ashanti Region.
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