Accra, Ghana – May 3, 2026 – Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, has publicly rebuked the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for its conspicuous silence regarding recent intermittent electricity outages impacting various regions of Ghana. The lawmaker voiced his concerns on May 2, 2026, during a television appearance, highlighting the perceived lack of communication from the regulatory body responsible for safeguarding consumer interests.
Context of Power Disruptions
The current power fluctuations are reportedly linked to a fire incident that occurred at a Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) facility situated near the Akosombo Dam. Additionally, ongoing transformer upgrade works in several operational areas are contributing to the instability of the power supply. These factors have led to widespread reports of erratic electricity delivery across the nation.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
Mr. Adomako-Mensah stressed that PURC, as the designated state agency for consumer protection in the utility sector, has a fundamental duty to engage with the public. He argued that the Commission should have proactively provided updates and explanations concerning the ongoing power challenges. This lack of engagement, he noted, is particularly surprising given PURC’s history of taking decisive action against utility officials in response to similar power supply issues.
“I am surprised PURC is very quiet. This was the same PURC, which in 2024 sanctioned board members for failing to provide a timetable for a dysfunction causing disruption to the Ghanaian consumer,” Adomako-Mensah stated, drawing a parallel to past regulatory actions.
Regulator’s Duty to Inform
Speaking on Channel One TV, the MP expressed dismay over the continued absence of official statements from PURC, despite numerous reports of electricity fluctuations being shared by citizens nationwide. He emphasized that such periods of unstable power supply necessitate clear and consistent communication from the regulator.
“There have been fluctuations all over, and I am surprised to date PURC has not released any statement. That is quite surprising,” he added. His remarks underscore an expectation that regulatory bodies should maintain transparency and keep consumers informed, especially during times of service disruption.
Implications for Consumers and Industry
The silence from PURC during this period of power instability raises questions about the effectiveness of the regulatory framework and its responsiveness to public concerns. Consumers often rely on such bodies for accurate information and assurance that their issues are being addressed. The lack of communication can foster frustration and erode public trust in utility service providers and their oversight mechanisms.
For the energy sector, this situation highlights the critical importance of robust communication strategies, particularly during infrastructure upgrades or unforeseen incidents. Proactive engagement can mitigate public anxiety and support efforts to restore stable service. The actions, or inactions, of regulatory bodies like PURC can significantly influence investor confidence and the overall perception of the country’s energy sector management.
What to Watch Next
Moving forward, the public and industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see if PURC will issue a statement addressing the recent power outages and the reasons behind its delayed communication. Observers will also be keen to understand the long-term strategies PURC intends to implement to ensure more timely and transparent public engagement during future utility disruptions. The response from PURC could set a precedent for how such situations are handled by regulatory bodies in Ghana.
Leave a Reply