The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in improving the existing relationship between the Commission and the media, has launched its ‘Media Fellowship.’
The essence of constituting the media fellowship is to enhance transparency and accountability in the Commission’s operations and its engagements with stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary for the Commission, Ishmael Ackah, speaking during the launch of the PURCs Media Fellowship in Accra said, the PURC wants to serve customers well and give them the best and in doing so it’s requires partnership with strategic institution such as the media to help deepen transparency.
“The fellowship is to also build a mutually sustainable and beneficial relationship between the commission and media so we can work together to deepen transparency in Ghana’s regulatory regime within electricity water and gas sector,” he stated.
Chairman of the Commission Mr. Ebo B. Quagrainie also said, “As an independent economic regulator in the natural gas, electricity and water sectors of the country, the functions and operations of the commission are undoubtedly of key interest to a lot of Ghanaians. The decision by the commission in respect to rates chargeable for public utilities and monitoring of performance, establishment of benchmarks, policy directives, helps to balance the interest of consumer and utility services provider. These functions however requires research information and continues stakeholder engagement, this has therefore necessitated the establishment of a Media Fellowship for PURC.”
He added that, “The Fellowship is to serve as a medium to educate and engage journalist on the current state of regulation in the provision of utility service in Ghana, as well as improved upon information access and collaboration among state sector stakeholders.”
The PURC Media Fellows will be given a required training to understand reporting accurately on regulatory operations and decisions of the commission. The fellowship will also serve as a platform for capacity building and as an avenue for debunking misinformation regarding regulators’ sectors of PURC.
Mr Quagrainie advised the media to be circumspect in their utility tariffs reportage. “I urge members of the Fellowship to be circumspect and seek clarifications through the appropriate channels of the commission in its reportage to the public.”
About the PURC:
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) was established in October 1997 under the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act 1997 (Act 538) as a multi-sector regulator to oversee the provision of electricity and water utility services. The establishment of the Commission was part of the Government of Ghana’s utility sector reform process.
Through the Energy Commission Act 1997, the PURC also regulates transportation of natural gas services.
Under Section 4 of the governing legislation, the PURC is an independent body and not subject to the control of any authority in performing its functions. However, it submits annual operational and financial reports to Parliament. The Office of the President also exercises some administrative oversight for the Commission.