Ghana Water Limited (GWL) is intensifying efforts to combat the growing issue of water theft across the country — a trend that not only results in significant revenue losses but also places immense pressure on infrastructure and hampers equitable water service delivery.
One of the rising challenges is the nationwide theft of water meters, which continues to affect service operations and tracking.
GWL’s Managing Director, Adam Mutawakilu, told the Daily Graphic that thousands of water meters have been reported stolen across the country since the beginning of 2025. He added that GWL is actively working with the Ghana Police Service to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
Widespread Theft and Illegal Connections
Between late 2024 and mid-2025, GWL observed a spike in illegal activities including:
- Meter bypassing
- Direct pipeline tapping
- Use of in-line pumps
- Unauthorized reconnections and extensions
These actions have led to thousands of unaccounted-for connections across GWL’s operational regions, significantly reducing the ability to account for treated and distributed water.
In the Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area alone, over 2,700 illegal connections were detected between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. These included bypassed meters, unauthorized service lines, and self-reconnections after lawful disconnections for non-payment.
In one notable incident at Power Land near Ritz Junction, Agbogba Road, a property had three water service lines — only one of which was metered. The other two served tanker operators, bypassing the billing system. Large underground reservoirs were also discovered hidden behind walls.
Regional Responses
- Accra-Tema Region: Regional Production Manager Dr. Hadisu Alhassan described illegal connections made for commercial use as a major burden on the water network. He commended GWL Board Chairman Eric Biliguo Adama for personally leading the inspection that uncovered the Agbogba case.
- Accra West: Over 800 users are facing legal action for failing to regularise their water connections during a grace period.
- Accra East: PR Manager Nana Yaw Barima Barnie highlighted growing cases of meter bypassing and illegal extensions, which contribute to distribution disruptions.
- Ashanti Region: Five individuals were arrested in locations such as DeNyame, Dakodwom, Kwadaso Estate, and Santasi Apire for unauthorized pipeline tapping. According to PR Officer Padi Kwabena Narh, the offenders have been surcharged, and funds have been recovered.
- Tamale: A 50-year-old businessman, Ibrahim Baako Alhassan, was convicted for illegally installing in-line pumps. He was fined GH¢3,600 or sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, in addition to signing a bond to be of good behaviour.
Enforcement with a Human Touch
GWL maintains a balanced enforcement strategy, combining education and legal action. Mr. Mutawakilu explained:
“Before taking legal steps, we issue notices, extend grace periods, and educate the public. But when people ignore these, we are compelled to apply the law.”
The company is also exploring community-based partnerships in hotspot areas. A new incentive offers 10% of recovered funds to whistleblowers who provide credible tips about illegal water use.
