The Ashanti South office of Ghana Water Limited (GWCL), in collaboration with the Kumasi Central Police Command, has detained five individuals suspected of unlawfully tapping into GWCL’s water supply pipeline. 

The suspects were arrested after disregarding surcharges totalling GH₵31,803.97 issued for their purported illegal connections. 

The operation was part of the company’s intensified efforts aimed at curtailing commercial losses and ensuring equitable access to water resources throughout the region. 

Of the five individuals, three have settled their outstanding payments amounting to GH₵11,515.00, while the remaining two remain in police custody, pending further action should they fail to fulfill payment obligations. 

Officials of GWCL underscored the escalating challenge posed by illegal connections, which significantly contribute to Non-Revenue Water (NRW) produced but lost due to theft, leaks, or unaccounted usage. 

The company emphasised that such nefarious activities severely undermine revenue, jeopardising efforts to maintain and enhance critical water infrastructure. 

The Acting Regional Chief Manager of GWCL Ashanti South, Innocentia Kuupiel, commended the Central Police administration for their invaluable support during the operation. 

She expressed optimism that these arrests would serve as deterrents to others contemplating similar illicit activities. 

“Illegal connections and siphoning of water have proliferated in the Ashanti region, contributing significantly to Non-Revenue Water for the area,” she stated. 

The company has, therefore, appealed to residents to assist in the fight against illegal water connections by reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities. 

The Regional Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebenezer Kwabena Padi, reiterated the company's unwavering commitment to serving its customers and called upon the public to unite in the battle against illegal water connections, which deprive the utility of essential resources needed to enhance operations. 

He said the company was dedicated to meeting the demands of its clientele and therefore implored the populace to join the crusade against illegal water connections.