Ahmed Ibrahim warns Ghana Water Limited staff against sabotage

The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, has cautioned employees of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) against any acts of sabotage that could undermine the utility company's operations. Speaking during a working visit to the GWL head office, the Minister stressed the need for staff to prioritize national interests and maintain high levels of accountability as the company navigates significant financial and operational hurdles. He emphasized that the collective effort of the workforce is essential to improving performance and ensuring the sustainability of water supply across the country.

Central to the company's difficulties is a mounting debt of GH₵459 million owed by various government institutions in unpaid water bills. Minister Ibrahim highlighted that this substantial amount of arrears severely restricts the utility's ability to maintain aging infrastructure and expand service delivery to new areas. He urged management and staff to work collectively to improve revenue mobilization and performance, noting that internal efficiency is critical to convincing the government and stakeholders of the company's financial viability.

Beyond the financial strain, the Minister pointed to external threats to water security, specifically water theft and the devastating impact of illegal mining, or galamsey, on raw water sources. These activities significantly increase the cost of water treatment and damage expensive equipment, further complicating the company’s mandate. Managing Director Adam Mutawakilu noted that GWL currently supplies water to approximately 18.5 million people across Ghana, making the protection of its resources and infrastructure a matter of national security.

To address these systemic challenges, the Ministry and GWL management are intensifying efforts to tackle operational inefficiencies and enhance service delivery. The Minister’s warning serves as a directive for the workforce to align with the government’s broader goals for the sector, ensuring that water production remains consistent and reliable. Staff were encouraged to adopt a performance-driven culture and report irregularities to help sustain the utility’s operations in the long term.