Dr. Shafic Suleman has been appointed as the new Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in Ghana, effective January 24, 2025. This significant appointment comes as Dr. Suleman brings a wealth of expertise in energy and sustainability, petroleum economics, and energy policy.
Dr. Suleman is a senior lecturer at the Institute for Oil and Gas Studies at the University of Cape Coast, where he has been instrumental in educating future leaders in the energy sector. In addition to his role at the University of Cape Coast, he also teaches Energy Risk Finance at the Ghana Institute for Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). His academic credentials are impressive as he holds a PhD in Energy and Sustainability from De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, an MSc in Energy Management from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, UK, a BA in Geography from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Cape Coast.
Dr. Suleman’s expertise encompasses critical areas such as energy and sustainability, petroleum economics and development, energy policy and law, as well as climate change and risk management. His extensive knowledge positions him well to lead the PURC, which serves as the economic regulator for electricity and water services across Ghana.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission plays a vital role in ensuring that utility services are provided efficiently and sustainably. With Dr. Suleman’s appointment, stakeholders anticipate a renewed focus on enhancing regulatory frameworks that support sustainable energy practices while addressing climate change challenges.
Dr. Suleman’s appointment reflects a commitment to leveraging academic insights to inform policy decisions within Ghana’s energy sector. His background in research and consultancy will contribute to more robust regulatory practices at the PURC. As Dr. Suleman steps into this pivotal role, he is poised to drive initiatives that align with global best practices in energy regulation, ensuring that Ghana’s public utilities meet both current demands and future sustainability goals.
