PURC launches “Tamale in Focus Project” to curb utility losses.
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has launched the “Tamale in Focus Project”—a targeted initiative aimed at reversing staggering power and water losses in the Northern Region.
Damian Owusu 
In a bold step to combat rising utility losses, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has launched the “Tamale in Focus Project”—a targeted initiative aimed at reversing staggering power and water losses in the Northern Region.
Launched in Tamale, the project brings together key stakeholders, including the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), in a concerted effort to address illegal utility connections, unpaid bills, and systemic inefficiencies.
Between January 2024 and May 2025, GWCL reported a staggering GH¢88.5 million loss from illegal water connections. Simultaneously, NEDCo suffered GH¢195 million in electricity losses, despite purchasing over GH¢370 million worth of power—shedding light on the region’s alarming revenue shortfalls.
Strategic Aims of the Project
Public Education: PURC aims to intensify education campaigns to instill responsible utility use and discourage theft.
Community Involvement: Local leaders and residents will be engaged to foster a culture of accountability and ownership.
Media Collaboration: Offenders risk public exposure through a “name and shame” initiative to serve as a deterrent.
Debt Recovery: Measures are also underway to retrieve debts from both public and private defaulters.
Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, sounded a clear warning: “If these losses continue unchecked, the very survival of our utility providers is at risk.” He lauded the PURC’s resolution of over 93% of consumer complaints in Q1 of 2025 as a sign of growing responsiveness.
This project comes at a crucial time, not only to salvage the financial health of utility companies but also to rebuild public trust and ensure sustainability. If successful, the “Tamale in Focus Project” could offer a scalable model for addressing utility wastage across other regions of Ghana.
