GWL recovers GH₵3.7m from illegal water users as crackdown intensifies

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has recovered about GH₵3.7 million from customers engaged in illegal water connections and meter bypasses as part of an intensified nationwide revenue mobilisation and anti-water theft exercise. The exercise, being undertaken with support from National Security, has so far uncovered nearly 400 illegal connections in Accra alone. Mr Adam Mutawakilu, Managing Director of GWL, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the company's Central Workshop and sections of the Kpong transmission line currently undergoing repairs.

Mr. Mutawakilu said the company established a Revenue Enhancement Team in August 2025 after investigations revealed that water theft and pipeline leakages were major contributors to Ghana Water's high non-revenue water levels. The specialised team initially started with three operational units but was expanded to 10 units in January this year to strengthen enforcement activities and improve revenue collection. The illegal activities included unauthorised connections, meter bypasses and unmetered water offtakes along major transmission corridors. The exercise had so far detected liabilities amounting to about GH₵16 million. Assessments conducted by GWL showed that nearly 40 per cent of water produced from Kpong was lost through leakages before reaching Tema.

Mr. Mutawakilu warned that customers who failed to settle outstanding obligations would face prosecution and disconnection from the water supply network, stating "One is for them to come and pay the outstanding. If you are not willing to pay, then court process starts." GWL has commenced fabrication and replacement of damaged sections of 21-inch and 42-inch pipelines at its Central Workshop. The workshop is currently fabricating 180 metres of 21-inch pipes and 162 metres of 42-inch pipes for installation along the affected corridors. About **GH₵5 million