The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has made a strong appeal to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to retract the substantial GH¢5.8 million fine levied on its former board members. The fine, imposed in response to alleged failures during their tenure, has sparked controversy and prompted ECG's Managing Director, Samuel Dubik Mahama, to challenge its validity.
In a letter dated Friday, April 19, Mr. Dubik Mahama asserted that the sanctions imposed on him and the former board members are invalid and should be rescinded. He argued that these penalties contravene the provisions outlined in the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act, 1997 (Act 538), suggesting procedural irregularities in the imposition of the fines.
ECG contends that it complied with PURC's data requests, submitting all the necessary documents as per the Commission's directives. Mr. Dubik Mahama emphasized that ECG should have been afforded the opportunity to address any concerns or misunderstandings arising from its submissions before facing punitive measures.
The letter underscores ECG's position that the fines and sanctions are unjustified and must be withdrawn immediately. Furthermore, it asserts the company's intention to pursue legal recourse, including seeking orders to quash the imposed penalties and compel the PURC to afford ECG due process in addressing any alleged breaches of its obligations.
This development underscores the importance of procedural fairness and adherence to legal standards in regulatory actions within the energy sector. As ECG and PURC navigate this dispute, it highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the effective functioning of Ghana's utilities sector while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.
