Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has launched a nationwide enforcement campaign to tackle the rising theft of potable water, amid what the company describes as an alarming spike in illegal connections and meter thefts.
Across multiple regions, thousands of unauthorized water setups have been uncovered in the past year, ranging from meter bypasses to hidden pipelines and illegal tanker supply lines, all of which threaten the financial and operational integrity of the country’s water system.
“This was a deliberate act that undermines our efforts at revenue recovery and equitable distribution,” said Ing. Dr. Hadisu Alhassan, Regional Production Manager for Accra-Tema, after a major bust near Agbogba. There, three underground service lines were discovered only one of which was metered feeding tanker operators in a setup GWL described as industrial-scale water theft.
The campaign, part of GWL’s revenue protection programme, is targeting hotspots in cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, where enforcement teams are now working with police and community leaders to curb illegal use and protect treated water supplies.
GWL says more than 2,700 illegal connections were detected in the Accra-Tema area alone between late 2024 and early 2025.
Meter theft has also emerged as a growing challenge, with thieves targeting expensive ultrasonic meters, disrupting services and reducing the company’s ability to track water consumption accurately.
“Meter theft is an economic crime with real consequences,” said Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, GWL Managing Director. “When a meter is stolen, we don’t just lose a device. We lose our ability to monitor, manage, and recover costs efficiently.”
According to Mr. Mutawakilu, some of the thefts are believed to be orchestrated by organized criminal groups. He added that internal collusion is also under investigation following the Agbogba incident. “Any staff found complicit will face both administrative and legal consequences,” he said.
In the Ashanti Region, five individuals were recently arrested and surcharged for illegally tapping pipelines. In Accra West, over 800 residents who ignored a grace period to regularize their connections are now facing legal action. In Tamale, a 50-year-old businessman was fined GHS 3,600 for installing illegal inline pumps.
“We gave enough time, and many responded. But those who didn’t will now face legal consequences,” said Ms. Solace Akomeah, PR and Communications Manager for Accra West.
GWL says it is adopting a “firm but fair” approach, offering amnesty and public education alongside enforcement. “We offer grace periods, issue notices, and educate the public. But when those efforts are ignored, we are left with no option but to apply the law,” Mr. Mutawakilu said.
Beyond enforcement, GWL is also expanding its public education and partnership efforts. Community-based whistleblower initiatives are being piloted in hotspot areas, and officials are encouraging citizens to report illegal activities through official channels.
“Water is a national asset. It’s not just about individual consumption it’s about collective responsibility,” said Mr. Mutawakilu. “This isn’t a fight GWL can win alone. Every stolen litre is someone else’s missed opportunity.”
With illegal use driving up costs and delaying upgrades, the company is investing in smart metering, leakage detection systems, and digital billing as part of broader reforms.
“Our goal isn’t just to catch offenders, it’s to build a smarter, more resilient water system that works for everyone,” he added.
GWL is urging all customers with irregular connections to visit district offices and regularize their service. “Now is the time to act,” said a company statement. “Report the illegal. Reject the unlawful. Respect the pipe.”
