Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has stepped up efforts to combat widespread water theft, illegal connections, and the theft of water meters that have become increasingly rampant across the country, especially in 2025.
The Managing Director of GWL, Adam Mutawakilu, revealed in an interview with the Daily Graphic that the utility provider is working closely with the Ghana Police Service to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in these illegal activities.
According to Mr. Mutawakilu, thousands of water meters have been reported stolen nationwide since the beginning of the year, with theft cases involving unauthorised connections, bypassed meters, direct pipeline tapping, and in-line pump installations continuing to rise.
In just the Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area, over 2,700 illegal connections were discovered between the last quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. These included bypassing meters, reconnections after disconnection for non-payment, and unauthorized service lines.
One major case involved a property at Power Land, near Ritz Junction, Agbogba Road, where three service lines were discovered — only one of which had a meter. The remaining two lines allegedly supplied tanker operators and completely bypassed the billing system, with large underground reservoirs cleverly concealed behind a wall.
Regional Response and Enforcement
In the Accra West region, GWL has taken legal action against more than 800 consumers who failed to regularize their water connections despite a grace period.
In Accra East, PR & Communications Manager Nana Yaw Barima Barnie expressed concern over increasing cases of meter bypassing and unauthorised extensions, which he said hinder water distribution planning and cause frequent service interruptions.
In the Ashanti Region, five people were arrested in DeNyame, Dakodwom, Kwadaso Estate, and Santasi Apire for tapping directly into GWL pipelines. According to the region’s PRO, Padi Kwabena Narh, the culprits have been surcharged and the funds recovered.
In Tamale, enforcement efforts led to the successful prosecution of Ibrahim Baako Alhassan, a 50-year-old businessman. He was convicted of illegally installing in-line pumps on GWL pipelines. The Circuit Court fined him GH¢3,600, with a 12-month custodial sentence as the default, and ordered him to sign a bond of good behaviour.
Balancing Enforcement with Education
GWL maintains a balanced enforcement approach, combining education, grace periods, and legal consequences.
“Before resorting to legal action, we issue notices, extend grace periods, and educate the public on proper procedures. Unfortunately, when people choose to disregard these measures, we have no option but to apply the law,” said MD Adam Mutawakilu.
To enhance monitoring in hotspot areas, GWL is also exploring community-based partnerships, offering 10% of recovered funds as rewards to whistleblowers who provide credible information on illegal activities.
