Utilities Regulatory Commission Members Sworn Into Office

Accra, (Greater Accra) 10 Nov.,

President Jerry John Rawlings today swore into office an eight-member Public Utilities Regulatory Commission and told members that their task of advising government on fixing water and electricity tariffs will not rpt not be easy. The commission was established by an act of parliament following an uproar against huge tariff hikes by the Electricity Company of Ghana early this year. Parliament, which was then on recess, was recalled and passed the bill under a certificate of emergency. The Commission's members took the oath of secrecy, the oath of allegiance and the oath of office. It has Dr. S.K.B. Asante, an investment consultant as chairman. The members include Mr. Emmanuel Appiah-Korang, Mr. R.B.W. Hesse, Mrs. Grace Orleans, Mr. Kwame Osei-Poku and Mr. Andrew Quayson. The rest are Mr. Kwesi Adu Amankwa and Mr. Stephen Nyanteh-Adu. The ninth member, Mr. Yaw Akoto, has travelled out of the country. President Rawlings said the inauguration of the commission does not rpt not mean government is abdicating its responsibility as far as the provision of water and electricity is concerned. He said the commission should not rpt not limit itself to only advising the government on water and electricity charges but also to educate the people on their use. It is only through education that the people would appreciate what the commission does. ''It is not going to be easy. Do not limit yourself to submitting reports''. 'Let us protect the interest of the rightful consumers.'' President Rawlings added. Mr. Nathan Quao, an adviser to the President, reaffirmed the government's determination to expand water and electricity to the rural areas and reminded the commission members that ''you have a very difficult and challenging assignment''. ''Come out with tariff proposals which would be acceptable to all segments of the society''.