Ghana Water Ltd. (GWL) has launched an aggressive nationwide campaign to combat the rising menace of illegal water connections and rampant theft of water meters — a threat the utility company says is crippling infrastructure, draining revenue, and threatening equitable access to safe water.
According to GWL, the unauthorized use of potable water through methods such as bypassing meters, direct tapping of pipelines, use of illegal inline pumps, and meter theft has spiked significantly between late 2024 and mid-2025. The company’s operational zones, including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Sunyani, have all reported disturbing increases in these unlawful practices.
In the Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area alone, over 2,700 illegal connections were uncovered within six months. One egregious case at Power Land near Agbogba Road revealed a complex water theft operation involving multiple unmetered connections servicing tanker operators, with large underground reservoirs hidden behind walls.
“This is a deliberate act that directly undermines our efforts to ensure revenue recovery and fair distribution,” said Ing. Dr. Hadisu Alhassan, Regional Production Manager for the Accra-Tema area. He praised the GWL Board Chairman, Mr. Eric Biliguo Adama, for personally leading inspections in such hotspot areas.
GWL is also contending with the theft of thousands of water meters nationwide — a silent but costly assault on the utility’s operations. The Managing Director, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, described meter theft as “an economic crime” that not only destroys assets but undermines efforts to meter and manage water usage efficiently. Many of these thefts are believed to be the work of organized criminal networks.
In regions across the country, GWL’s enforcement is yielding results. In Ashanti, five culprits caught tapping into pipelines have already been surcharged. In Tamale, a businessman was fined and bonded after being convicted for installing illegal in-line pumps. In Accra West, over 800 illegal users are facing legal action after refusing a grace period to regularize their services.
However, GWL is balancing tough enforcement with public education. “We offer notices and grace periods, but when people disregard them, we are left with no option but to prosecute,” said Mr. Mutawakilu. He also emphasized internal accountability, noting that any GWL staff found complicit will face consequences.
The utility company is increasing public outreach and exploring community whistleblower initiatives to encourage citizens to report illegal connections. “Every stolen litre affects someone else’s supply,” Mr. Mutawakilu emphasized, urging all Ghanaians to join the fight.
As GWL invests in smart meters, digital billing, and infrastructure upgrades, it remains committed to building a resilient, fair, and sustainable water distribution system for all.
