Gambiaj.com – Accra, Ghana – A delegation from The Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), led by Board Chairman Alieu Momodou Ngum, has embarked on a week-long study mission in Ghana to learn from the country’s advanced utility regulatory practices. This initiative, running from November 11 to 15, 2024, aims to enhance Gambia’s energy and utility regulations by incorporating proven practices from Ghana’s regulatory systems.

The team is working closely with Ghana’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and Energy Commission, gaining insights into the country’s utility management framework.

The delegation’s visit includes a focused training program at the Centre of Excellence in Public Utility Regulation at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), where they are receiving in-depth sessions on Ghana’s approach to licensing regimes, regulatory standards, technology integration, and tariff management.

At the program’s launch at GIMPA on Monday, PURC Executive Secretary Dr. Ishmael Ackah underscored Ghana’s commitment to sharing expertise with neighboring countries to foster strong regulatory systems across West Africa. Dr. Ackah highlighted the central role of technology in Ghana’s regulatory evolution, illustrating how PURC employs SIM card installations and monitoring tools in transformers to track power supply status in real-time.

Additionally, Ghana’s innovative tools, such as the tariff reckoner and net metering reckoner, empower consumers to estimate their energy bills independently.

“PURC has adopted technology to streamline many of our functions, making us an efficient, responsive regulator,” Dr. Ackah said. “This engagement allows the Gambian delegation to draw from our successes and sidestep challenges we’ve encountered, enriching their regulatory strategies back home.”

The visit marks a significant step in PURA’s repositioning efforts under The Gambian government’s directive to become a more effective regulatory body, serving a diverse range of sectors, including electricity, water, telecommunications, petroleum, and transport.

Chairman Alieu Momodou Ngum expressed optimism about applying Ghana’s best practices in The Gambia. “Ghana exemplifies regulatory excellence in Africa, and we’re here to harness that expertise to strengthen our own utility oversight,” he said.