Ahmed Ibrahim warns Ghana Water Limited staff against internal sabotage

The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, has issued a stern warning to staff and management of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) against any acts of internal sabotage that could undermine the utility's operations. During a working visit to the company's head office, the Minister emphasized that employees must prioritize national interests and uphold a high standard of accountability to ensure the sustainable delivery of water services across the country. He urged the collective workforce to align their efforts toward improving the company's overall performance and reliability.

This call for integrity comes as GWL grapples with a significant financial burden, with various government institutions owing the utility provider a staggering GH‵459 million in unpaid water bills. Minister Ibrahim highlighted that these arrears severely hamper the company's ability to maintain infrastructure and expand its reach. The Ministry is expected to engage with these debtor institutions to facilitate the recovery of the outstanding funds, which are critical for the utility's survival and operational efficiency.

Beyond financial constraints, the company is facing severe operational disruptions caused by external factors, most notably illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—and widespread water theft through illegal connections. Managing Director Adam Mutawakilu informed the Minister that while GWL currently supplies water to approximately 18.5 million people, these illegal activities continue to degrade raw water sources and result in substantial revenue losses. The company is reportedly intensifying its efforts to curb these practices and improve service delivery despite these mounting challenges.

The Minister’s visit serves as a directive for a new era of transparency and efficiency within the state-owned enterprise. By addressing both internal conduct and external threats like galamsey and debt accumulation, the Ministry aims to stabilize the sector. The success of these efforts will be vital for GWL to fulfill its mandate and provide consistent, clean water to the millions of Ghanaians who rely on its services.