Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, has raised concerns about widespread illegal water connections, describing the scale of theft as “mind-boggling” and a major contributor to revenue losses.

Speaking on the Joy Super Morning Show, Mr Mutawakilu said that between August and December 2025, Ghana Water disconnected 239 customers engaged in illegal water usage, representing GH₵8.6 million in lost revenue, of which only GH₵2.1 million has been recovered so far.

“Can you imagine that out of this GH₵8.6 million, two customers alone accounted for GH₵6 million? An operative factory consuming water for free,” he said.

Mr Mutawakilu noted that the company collaborated closely with the Ghana National Security to identify and disconnect offenders, and said efforts are underway to expand the operation to target more major illegal users.

Illegal water connections have long been a challenge for the state-owned utility, especially in urban and industrial areas where theft, meter tampering, and unregistered connections reduce available supply and strain resources.

“These losses are significant because they come on top of other challenges like ageing infrastructure and limited funding for maintenance and expansion,” he explained.

Ghana Water Limited has emphasised that illegal water use not only affects revenue but also reduces supply to legitimate customers, worsening shortages in communities across Accra and surrounding areas.

The company is now urging industrial and commercial operators to regularise their connections and pay for consumption, warning that continued illegal usage will result in stricter enforcement and potential legal action.

Mr Mutawakilu said scaling up enforcement is critical to safeguarding the utility’s financial stability and ensuring a sustainable water supply for all Ghanaians.

“Water theft is not a minor issue. It affects everyone,” he said. “We must tackle it decisively to keep our systems running and support the population’s growing demand.”