The operation, conducted with support from National Security personnel, revealed a 10-bedroom property fitted with an underground reservoir allegedly used to store water sourced illegally.

Investigators also discovered that Standard Water and another sachet water producer were accessing water through bypassed lines, evading payment entirely.

According to officials, many of the companies applied for domestic meters but later diverted the system using two-inch pipes to draw large volumes of water for commercial production without routing it through the meter.

GWL described the situation as a significant drain on its resources and a major factor contributing to supply challenges in the area.

Addressing the media, the Accra West Regional Communications Manager, Solace Akomeah, expressed alarm at the scale of the theft, stressing that those involved will face surcharges and possible prosecution.

She said the level of illegal connections in Kasoa is unacceptable and undermines efforts to ensure fair distribution of water to households and legitimate businesses.

Ghana Water Limited is urging residents to report suspected illegal connections, emphasising that community cooperation is vital to maintaining stable and equitable access to water.

The ongoing enforcement operation forms part of broader measures aimed at tackling supply issues and safeguarding the integrity of the water distribution network.

Ms. Akomeah appealed to the public to alert the utility or security agencies whenever they suspect water theft or meter bypassing in their communities.

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He has cautioned that if the trend continues, it could have serious economic repercussions.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, October 20, 2025, Mr. Mutawakilu described the rapid siltation of major water bodies as a national crisis that extends beyond the operations of the water company.

“This challenge matters beyond GWL,” he said. “If siltation continues unchecked, costs will cascade across the economy.”

He explained that as rivers and water sources become increasingly polluted and clogged with silt, the cost of treatment rises sharply, a burden that eventually filters down to industries and households.

According to him, the economic impact will be widespread. “Beverage and bottling firms will see slowdowns, higher input costs and stockouts. Food processing and fast-moving consumer goods companies will face disrupted production cycles and quality incidents,” he said.

Mr. Mutawakilu noted that the hospitality and education sectors are equally vulnerable.

“Hostels, restaurants, and events will struggle with unreliable supply and expensive backups,” he cautioned, adding that “schools and hospitals will be forced into water rationing, posing threats to hygiene and essential services.”

He also warned that manufacturers and real estate developers will not be spared. “Manufacturers will face processing interruptions. Real estate and commercial centres will absorb rising costs for backup water and energy,” he observed.

The GWCL boss concluded by emphasizing that the continued destruction of Ghana’s water resources could undermine national productivity and trigger inflationary pressures.

“Productivity falls and prices rise when a fundamental input like treated water becomes more expensive and less reliable,” he stated.

Source: Adomonline

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The plant serves more than 700,000 people in Sogakope, Sokpoe, Tefle, Dabala, Anloga, Keta, and surrounding areas.

“The turbidity has seriously disrupted our operations at the plant,” the Volta Regional Chief Manager of GWC, Emmanuel A. Johnson, said.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Ho, Mr Johnson said the phenomenon typically occurred in the rainy season, adding that the plant was not designed to contain highly turbid raw water.

The plant, Mr Johnson said, lacked key treatment components such as a coagulant dosing system, sedimentation tank, and clarifiers.

He said as of October 15, the raw water turbidity measured 39.4 NTU, while the treated water turbidity recorded 29.4 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), far exceeding the Ghana

Standards Authority’s regulatory limit of 5NTU for potable water. 

He further explained that due to the compromised water quality, the plant was shut down at 11:00 on October 15 and would remain out of operation until the raw water quality improved to acceptable levels.

The GWL regional chief manager gave an assurance that the situation was being closely monitored, and normal supply would be restored as soon as water quality improved at the plant.

He said there were discussions with authorities to supply water via tankers to critical institutions such as schools and hospitals, as a short-term solution.

Asked what alternative measures would be available to water consumers if the situation persisted, Mr Johnson maintained an elusive stance and said: “We do not want to go to that area now.

I do not want to comment on that. The situation will improve.”

Situation on ground

The Daily Graphic, going round some areas in the affected communities, observed that some individuals were delivering water from house to house with tricycles, in Sogakope and its environs.

“But it is the same dirty water they fetch from the river to sell to the households,” a health worker at Sogakope said.

To find a lasting solution to this recurring challenge, residents and officials are calling for long-term investments in water system upgrades, improved maintenance and alternative water sources.

Perennial challenge

The plant is particularly vulnerable during the rainy season when raw water quality deteriorates significantly.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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The exercise, conducted on Wednesday, October 9, 2025, by the Accra East Regional Office of GWCL with police support, formed part of the company’s ongoing nationwide revenue recovery and anti-illegal connection drive.

According to the Communications Manager for the Accra East Region, Nana Yaw Barima Barnie, the disconnection followed the church’s failure to settle its arrears and the subsequent discovery of an unlawful attempt to restore water supply.

“Our team realised that water was flowing again after disconnection. The meter, which records consumption, had been removed, that in itself is illegal,” Mr. Barnie said.

“It is against the law to reconnect yourself after disconnection, and even more serious to tamper with or remove the meter. We had to carry out another disconnection after detecting the illegal activity,” he added.

He disclosed that Prophet Gaisie has been invited to the GWCL office to resolve the issue and clear the debt.

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has disconnected water supply to the Prophetic Hill Chapel at Dome, headed by Prophet Nigel Gaisie, over an unpaid bill of GHS6,923.13.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/dkvoumNpvS

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) October 9, 2025

“He owes GH¢6,913. We expect him to visit our office so we can determine the next steps. Many people have taken the Ghana Water Company for granted, but those days are over. Illegal connections will no longer be tolerated,” he cautioned.

During the exercise, journalists were reportedly prevented from recording the operation by members of the church, while Prophet Gaisie declined to comment on the development.

The GWCL has in recent months intensified disconnection operations nationwide, targeting both private and institutional customers who have defaulted on bill payments or engaged in unauthorised reconnections.

Officials say such practices continue to cause significant financial losses and hinder service delivery improvements.

Source: Adomonline

The emergency repair works, expected to last three days, will disrupt water supply to the entire Tema Metropolis and parts of Accra, including Ashaiman, Gbetsele, Akatamanso, Klagon, Lashibi, Baatsonaa, Spintex, East Legon, and surrounding areas.

GWL management has advised customers to store sufficient water while the supply remains available. Essential service providers such as schools and hospitals are encouraged to contact GWL for support through its toll-free line, WhatsApp, or social media platforms.

The company assured customers that water supply will resume immediately after repairs are completed, apologising for any inconvenience caused.

Read the statement below:

INTERRUPTION IN WATER SUPPLY DUE TO EMERGENCY REPAIR WORKS AT KPONG TREATMENT PLANT

The Management of Ghana Water Ltd. (GWL) wishes to inform its cherished customers and the public that there has been a damage to the raw water transmission pipeline that serves the Kpong Treatment plant, today 28^th August 2025. This has necessitated a shutdown of the treatment to allow for emergency repair work to be undertaken.

The repair work, which has since commenced, is expected to last for three (3) days. Consequently, there will be temporary interruption in water supply until the work is completed.

Affected Areas

The interruption will affect customers in the entire Tema Metropolis and most parts of Accra, including but not limited to Ashaiman, Gbetsele, Akatamanso, Klagon, Lashibi, Baatsonaa, Spintex, Parts of East Legon, and surrounding communities

Customers in these areas are kindly advised to store adequate quantities of water while supply is still available.

Support for Essential Service Providers

Essential service providers, especially schools and hospitals, are encouraged to reach out to GWL for assistance during this period through the following channels:

Toll-Free (Telecel lines only): 0800 40000

• Phone: 0302 2218240 / 0207385089 / 0207385090
• WhatsApp: 0555123393 / 0555155524
• All GWL Social Media Handles

Commitment to Restoration

GWL assures all affected customers that water supply will be restored immediately upon completion of the repair work. We sincerely regret the inconvenience this interruption may cause and appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued customers.

For further enquiries, please contact:
PR & Communications Department
📧 prcommunication@gwcl.com.gh

Source: AdomOnline

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On Wednesday, the workers served an ultimatum to a private developer and stakeholders involved in the demolition of their property Ridge residential area in Kumasi to halt the exercise or they will be forced to cut water supply.

But Joy News checks have revealed the land was used as collateral for private developers tasked to construct bungalows for government agencies who were affected by the retainment of about four hundred acres of land by the Asantehene.

Vice Chair of the Senior Staff Association of Ghana Water Limited in Ashanti, Emmanuel Okpoti in an interview with JoyNews’ Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe said the temporary shutdown will affect every part of the region.

“We are shutting operations to the whole of Ashanti region. Until they heed to our demands, we are not resuming operations,” he said.

According to Mr. Okpoti, the said facilities in contention is located on a high elevation and holds some vital components for water distribution.

He explains the handing the space to be overtaken by the private developer could affect water distribution to parts of the metropolis.

“It means that they are just going to take away our facilities. How can we supply water when we don’t have the opportunity to expand. Because high elevations are important for water supply. They provide avenues to water flow. So that we can use that one to augment our flow within the region,” he said.

He explained that this substantial debt is affecting the company’s capacity to maintain an uninterrupted water supply to residents.

In an interview with Citi News in Takoradi on Tuesday, October 29, Mr. Barnie announced that Ghana Water Company is launching a revenue mobilization campaign to recover the outstanding GHS 23 million, a necessary step to sustain its water supply operations in the region.

“Currently, Ghana Water Company has a big issue of arrears owed by customers. Countrywide, we are owed in excess of GHS800 million and when you come to Western Region alone, the arrears are in excess of GHS23millions and that is a big problem for us,” he said.

Highlighting the disturbing situation, Mr Barnie said such non-payment of bills affects its operational strength since it imports several of its inputs for water treatment.

“Ghana Water Company at the moment is not a subverted organisation and so what we need to do in our day-to-day operations, we need to depend on the bills our customers pay us. Thus, we buy chemicals in foreign currencies, pipes, fuel our vehicles, maintain equipment breakdowns which happen frequently, pay salaries of staff and a lot more.

“All these require a lot of money, and that money comes from the bills customers pay. So if you have a customer who pays you just GHS300 out of a bill of GHS,1000, it means you’re not in good business,” he noted.

The Acting Western Regional Chief Manager of the Ghana Water Company therefore said it is embarking on an intensive revenue mobilisation to recover these arrears with disconnections for defaulters.

“We are moving from house to house to collect bills that people owe us from now till December end. If we come to your house, we expect that you pay us what you owe us. It is not in our interest to disconnect a customer, so we want customers to pay their bills even before we get there,” he added.

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Consequently, the Barekese Water Treatment plant and the Achiase Booster in the region have been shutdown to enable repairs.

This was contained in a newsletter from the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) in the region.

Areas expected to be affected include Suame, Tafo/Pankrono, Asokwa, Bantama, Sokoban, Kronum, Barekese, Manhyia, Oforikrom, Kwadaso, Atasamanso, Kotwi, Adum, KNUST, Odoum, Asokore Mampong, and surrounding areas.

The transmission line is reported to have been perforated by the equipment of a contractor constructing drains from the Suame roundabout to Breman Ahenful.

Management of the GWL says their engineers are working assiduously to repair the line and resume operations as early as practicable.

“Management assures the public that engineers are working around the clock to ensure repairs are completed as soon as practicable and supply will resume immediately works are completed,” portions of the statement read.

The utility company says the over GHS 1.2 billion pile of debt is straining its operations as it is unable to conduct regular maintenance exercises, undertake expansion projects and provide uninterrupted water services.

In a statement, the water company indicated it has noticed a trend of debt accumulation despite several efforts to have customers pay up their outstanding bills.

“Over the past years, GWL has observed a concerning trend of accumulating arrears from some customers, posing significant financial strain on the company’s operations.

“Despite various efforts to address this issue through revenue mobilization exercises, ‘operation pay or get disconnected’ campaign, announcements, advertisements, payment reminders and flexible payment plans, the problem still persists,” portions of the statement read.

Management of the company has resolved to publish the names of defaulting individuals, companies and organizations and their amounts owed if they fail to fulfill their financial obligations.

The GWL says it will not relent in taking legal actions against the debtors to retrieve all the arrears.

Chief Manager for Public Relations and Communication, Stanley Martey revealed the indebtedness could plunge the country to water supply shortfalls.

“If our debt levels still goes up the way it is as at now, it will really affect the operations and possibly affect the way we supply water,” he told Luv News.

The company is admonishing customers to collaborate with the company to find amicable solutions.

“The company aims to collaborate with customers to find feasible solutions, including implementing flexible payment arrangements for those with substantial debts and obvious challenges. By this release, Customers are being notified that the company will use all legal means possible to retrieve all arrears,” the statement read.

But in the interim, customers have been urged to settle their debts at the offices and revenue collection points of the company, the GWCL customer app, and mobile money payment platforms.

The company, however, says it is committed to providing reliable water as mandated by law to ensure access to clean water, but can only do so if the debts are paid off.

It comes as some parts of the Greater Kumasi Metropolis struggle to access water following water shortfalls in the region.

The company had in an earlier statement revealed the intermittent water supply in the metropolis was as a result of unstable power supply to the Barekese and the Owabi Treatment Plants and the Achiase Booster stations.

The two plants are the sole reservoirs distributing water to the majority of households in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis.

But in an interview with JoyNews, Public Relations Officer of GWL-Ashanti, Ebenezer Padi Narh revealed the power has been restored to the treatment plants following a meeting with the Electricity Company.

“To prevent our machines from damaging, we had to shut down operations. ECG has restored power to all treatment plants. Should we continue to have constant supply, we will also do our part. Customers will have water if there is constant power supply,” he said.

Many households in the area have in the last few weeks experienced water shortfalls which they lament affects their businesses and daily chores.

“We have to store water everyday just to avoid purchasing those distributed privately. The washroom is even worse. With little water available, one can’t decide whenever to flush after using the toilets,” a resident at Atonsu said.

The situation is not only impacting households, but businesses.

Water is essential for the production of palm oil, especially for the local variant known as Zomi. 

Ophelia operates a palm oil processing hub at Anloga-Sobolo. She laments the few barrels of water available aren’t enough for her palm oil processing hub.

“We need at least 10 barrels of water to produce oil. We only got a few buckets today from a well. It’s a lot tedious to access water,” she said.

The water shortfall is biting hard on her production as she is unable to produce large quantities of the palm oil. 

“We can produce 20 barrels of oil if there’s at least 10 barrels of water. But now we have to leave the palm extracts overnight and it can get spoiled. It becomes bland when left overnight,” she said.

Sarah, a hairdresser, shares similar sentiments. 

“I am unable to make enough profits these days because of the water situation,” she said.

Residents continue to prevail on the water company to resolve the perennial water shortages.