Accra: Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has successfully retrieved approximately GH?3.7 million from customers involved in illegal water connections and meter bypasses. This recovery is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing revenue collection and combating water theft.
According to Ghana News Agency, the crackdown, supported by National Security, has exposed nearly 400 illegal connections in Accra, resulting in substantial losses for the state water utility. Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, Managing Director of GWL, revealed these findings during an inspection visit to the company's Central Workshop and sections of the Kpong transmission line that are currently under repair.
Mr. Mutawakilu explained that in August 2025, GWL established a Revenue Enhancement Team after investigations highlighted water theft and pipeline leakages as major contributors to the high levels of non-revenue water. Initially comprising three operational units, the team expanded to ten units in January this year to bolster enforcement activities and enhance revenue collection.
As of last Friday, approximately 397 illegal connections had been identified. The illegal activities included unauthorized connections, meter bypasses, and unmetered water offtakes along major transmission corridors. Liabilities from these activities amounted to about GH?16 million, of which GH?3.7 million has already been recovered from offending customers.
Mr. Mutawakilu warned that customers who fail to settle their outstanding obligations would face prosecution and disconnection from the water supply network. He noted that these illegal connections exacerbated water shortages in parts of Accra and Tema, as significant volumes of treated water were lost before reaching consumers.
Further assessments by GWL indicated that nearly 40 percent of water produced from Kpong was lost due to leakages before reaching Tema. The aging 21-inch steel transmission line, with some sections over 70 years old, was identified as a major source of these losses.
To address the issue, GWL has begun fabricating and replacing damaged sections of the 21-inch and 42-inch pipelines at its Central Workshop. The facility is engaged in pipe rolling, fabrication of specialized pipe fittings, welding, sandblasting, and coating works to restore the transmission system's integrity. The workshop is currently producing 180 meters of 21-inch pipes and 162 meters of 42-inch pipes for installation along the affected corridors.
Mr. Mutawakilu stated that approximately GH?5 million had already been invested in the fabrication works, with further funding anticipated to expedite repairs and stabilize supply. Simultaneously, GWL is replacing all five pumps at the Kpong Water Treatment Plant to enhance water production and pressure within the transmission network.
Strengthening the pipeline integrity is crucial to preventing further bursts and leakages once the new pumps become operational. Mr. Mutawakilu emphasized that GWL is committed to preventing maintenance challenges from worsening and has implemented continuous monitoring systems for the pipelines.
These interventions are part of GWL's broader efforts to reduce non-revenue water, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a reliable potable water supply to urban communities in line with the Government's reset agenda.
Source: Ghana News Agency