Jinapor: Right Thing Will Be Done In Proposed Energy Commission–PURC Merger

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has given strong assurances that government will not proceed with any merger between the Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) without extensive stakeholder consultation and consensus-building, following concerns raised by sections of workers in the sector.

Dr Jinapor disclosed that he recently engaged representatives of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) after workers expressed apprehension over the proposed institutional restructuring, which has been discussed as part of wider reforms in Ghana’s power and energy sector.

The proposed merger, which is still at a discussion stage, is understood to be aimed at streamlining regulatory oversight, reducing duplication of functions and improving efficiency within the energy sector.

However, labour groups have raised questions about potential implications for jobs, institutional independence and regulatory effectiveness.

“I assured them that government will not proceed with any merger without broad consensus and proper engagement with all stakeholders” the Minister stated.

He explained that while reforms are necessary to strengthen the energy sector, they must be carried out in a manner that protects workers’ interests and preserves institutional stability.

According to the minister, reforms in the power sector are designed to address long-standing challenges related to efficiency, coordination and regulatory oversight, particularly at a time when Ghana is pursuing an energy transition agenda alongside the need for reliable and affordable power supply.

“While reforms in the power sector are aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening regulatory oversight, such changes will not be imposed without dialogue, transparency, and mutual understanding.”

He added that government recognises the critical role of organised labour and professional staff in sustaining the credibility and effectiveness of regulatory institutions, making their input essential to any reform process.

“We will continue to engage organised labour, including PSWU, and other stakeholders as discussions on the proposed merger progress, with consensus building as our guiding principle.”

The Public Services Workers Union represents staff across several public sector institutions, including agencies within the energy space.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that union representatives used the opportunity to outline their concerns, seek clarity on government’s intentions and call for transparency in any proposed restructuring.

Dr Jinapor acknowledged these concerns and reiterated that consensus-building, rather than unilateral decision-making, would guide the process going forward.

Integrity

The Energy Commission and PURC currently play distinct but complementary roles in Ghana’s energy sector. The Energy Commission is responsible for licensing, technical regulation and energy planning, while PURC focuses on tariff-setting and consumer protection within the utility space.

Analysts note that any proposal to merge the two bodies would require careful consideration of governance structures, mandates and safeguards to avoid regulatory gaps or conflicts of interest.

Dr Jinapor’s comments suggest that government is aware of these complexities and is approaching the matter cautiously, mindful of both efficiency gains and institutional integrity.

Transition Context

The discussions around regulatory reform come at a time when Ghana is navigating a complex energy landscape, balancing conventional power generation with renewable energy expansion and green transition objectives.

Strengthening regulatory coordination is widely viewed as important for attracting investment, managing sector risks and ensuring consumer protection.

However, experts also caution that reforms must be well-sequenced and inclusive to prevent disruption and resistance, particularly from the workforce tasked with implementing policy decisions.

By reaffirming government’s commitment to consultation, transparency and dialogue, Dr Jinapor has sought to calm tensions and signal that no final decisions have been taken on the proposed Energy Commission–PURC merger.