In a move aimed at reinforcing regulatory stability in Ghana’s utilities sector, President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Moses Asaga, a seasoned public servant and energy policy expert, as the new Board Chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
Mr. Asaga’s appointment comes at a crucial moment following the passing of former Chairman Prof. Thomas Mba Akabzaa. His return to public service is expected to bring renewed direction and oversight to one of Ghana’s most critical regulatory bodies.
The swearing-in ceremony, held on Monday, June 9, 2025, was administered by Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah, who stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and professionalism in managing public utilities.
“His Excellency the President expects the new Board to strengthen PURC’s oversight role in ensuring affordable, reliable, and sustainable utility services,” Hon. Debrah stated. “We were voted into power to protect the public interest, and PURC must reflect that mission.”
An Experienced Hand for a Demanding Role
Moses Asaga’s appointment has been widely seen as a strategic move to inject deep institutional knowledge into the PURC at a time of growing national concern over utility pricing, sustainability, and infrastructure. With more than three decades of experience spanning finance, petroleum regulation, and public sector leadership, Mr. Asaga is no stranger to complex governance challenges.
His past roles include Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (2013–2017), where he led the implementation of petroleum price deregulation under the Mahama administration. He also previously served as Minister for Labour and Social Welfare, Deputy Finance Minister, and Member of Parliament for Nabdam for 16 years.
In the private sector, Mr. Asaga worked in financial institutions across Ghana, the UK, and South Korea, including Ecobank Ghana and Daishin Securities. His academic credentials are equally extensive, with advanced degrees in Petroleum Geology, Finance, and Financial Economics from top institutions in Scotland, Korea, and the UK.
Rebuilding Public Confidence in Utility Regulation
Analysts say his appointment sends a strong signal about government’s intent to bolster public trust in PURC’s work at a time when electricity tariffs, water quality, and infrastructure upgrades remain top of mind for many Ghanaians.
As a former board member of institutions such as the Bank of Ghana, Ghana Commercial Bank, and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Asaga brings seasoned boardroom skills to the commission. His leadership is expected to play a key role in navigating PURC’s mandate in balancing consumer protection with utility provider sustainability.
In brief remarks after his swearing-in, Mr. Asaga expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to bring integrity and professionalism to the role.
“I look forward to working with the Board and management of PURC to deliver on our mandate and ensure the Ghanaian public receives value in utility services,” he stated.
His appointment has been met with cautious optimism, with stakeholders hoping his extensive background will help address long-standing challenges in Ghana’s energy and water sectors.
