PURC partners GIMPA to set up regulatory centre of excellence

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) for the setting up of the Regulatory Centre of Excellence.

The MoU, signed on Friday at GIMPA, Accra, the capital of Ghana, was witnessed by Prof Piesie Asante Darko, Council Chairman of GIMPA.

The executive secretary of PURC, Dr Ishmael Ackah initialed on behalf of the commission while Prof Samuel K Bonsu, Rector of GIMPA, did the same on behalf of the institution.

Ackah said the commission through its research found that there was the need for them to do further studies to understand the dynamics of regulating utilities due to new technologies.

He added that they found out that there was the need to build the capacity of regulatory institutions in Ghana and the West African region for them to be abreast with the changing trend.

Touching on why PURC decided to partner GIMPA, Dr Ackah said his outfit noted that GIMPA has been undertaking research work in the area of regulation and therefore decided to partner them so they can bring their expertise in research and together with PURC’s technical expertise in regulation to achieve a common goal of cutting-edge research that will inform policy on regulatory development and build capacity of regulators around Africa.

According to Ackah, the Regulatory Centre will not only be used to build capacity of regulators in the energy sector but covers every sector of the economy that is regulated.

“Beyond even teaching we will also encourage peer learning so National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and others can also come here and groom other regulators. So it is the centre of excellence that is looking at General Regulations,” Ackah added.

Asked how the centre’s activities will be funded, Dr Ishmael Ackah said they are looking at four main funding sources stating that they are looking at funds from the Commission, GIMPA, fees and also donor support.

The PURC boss revealed that the centre will be launched in February 2023.

Commenting on the partnership, Council chairman for GIMPA, Piesie Asante Darko hailed the initiative and commended the PURC for enforcing rules and regulations covering utilities notably water and electricity.

Rector of Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Samuel K. Bonsu said he was happy that PURC was partnering his outfit to enable them use their store of knowledge to empower regulators in the country and beyond.

He said his outfit is fully committed to the partnership and will ensure that they do their best to ensure the successful operation of the Regulatory Centre of Excellence.