Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has issued a stark warning over persistent challenges that are hampering reliable water supply across the country. The utility company identified poor revenue mobilisation and widespread illegal connections as the main obstacles undermining its operations and infrastructure expansion.
In an exclusive interview with JoyNews, Stanley Martey, Public Relations Officer for GWL, said unpaid bills and water theft have made it increasingly difficult for the company to fund critical projects. These include the construction of new treatment plants, the expansion of existing facilities, and the replacement of ageing pumps and pipelines.
“The Ghana Water Limited has faced enormous challenges throughout 2025. Many consumers have not paid their bills as expected, making it very difficult to manage the company effectively,” Mr Martey explained.
He highlighted that plans to improve water delivery and expand capacity are heavily reliant on revenue generation. “We need to build new treatment plants, expand the existing ones, extend pipelines, and replace old equipment. All these require money. But when people are stealing water and failing to pay their bills, it becomes very difficult for us to mobilise the revenue necessary to achieve these goals,” he said.
The PR officer appealed to the public to cooperate with the utility by paying bills promptly and discontinuing illegal connections. He emphasised that responsible behaviour from consumers is essential for GWL to deliver better services and ensure equitable water distribution across communities.
With the dry season approaching, Mr Martey also warned that water demand is likely to rise sharply during the harmattan months of January and February. He urged citizens to use water judiciously to help the utility maintain a steady supply.
“We are entering a very serious dry season. As a company, we are doing everything possible to maintain our equipment and ensure a stable supply, especially during the festive season,” he said.
Mr Martey stressed that while GWL is committed to providing reliable water services, public cooperation remains crucial. “Whilst water is flowing in your home, use it wisely so your neighbours can also have some. Let us stop the wastage of water. Water is precious, and water is life,” he added.
The utility’s warning comes amid rising concerns over water scarcity and the need for sustainable resource management. Ghana Water Limited has previously reported challenges with pipeline vandalism, ageing infrastructure, and operational inefficiencies, which have all contributed to intermittent supply in various regions.
Analysts note that the combination of revenue losses from unpaid bills and illegal connections could slow the pace of planned infrastructure improvements, affecting millions of Ghanaians who depend on piped water for their daily needs.
GWL continues to roll out awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on the importance of paying bills, adhering to water regulations, and practising water conservation. These campaigns are intended to reduce financial strain on the utility while promoting responsible consumption habits.
The call for cooperation is particularly timely, as Ghana faces a growing population and increasing urbanisation, which place additional pressure on the country’s water supply network. Experts have repeatedly warned that sustainable water management and consumer accountability are key to ensuring that every household has access to clean and safe water.
In summary, Ghana Water Limited is urging consumers to take responsibility for their water usage and payments, highlighting that the success of the utility’s service delivery depends as much on public participation as on company operations. With collective effort, GWL hopes to meet growing demand, maintain infrastructure, and secure a stable water supply for all Ghanaians.