The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, has announced that 41 district managers will be reassigned by 15 January 2026 as part of intensified efforts to tackle illegal water connections and improve discipline within the utility.

Mr Mutawakilu said the decision follows an internal performance assessment that revealed persistent failures in addressing operational challenges, particularly the rising incidence of unauthorised water connections across several districts.

“Any illegal connection has something to do with the staff of Ghana Water Limited. Since this operation started, we have dismissed several staff,” he said, stressing the need for stronger internal accountability.

Illegal water connections have been a major setback for GWL’s operations, depriving the company of critical revenue and straining its capacity to deliver reliable water services. In the Accra‑Tema Metropolitan Area alone, GWL uncovered more than 2,700 illegal connections between late 2024 and mid‑2025, including unauthorised service lines, meter bypasses, and reconnections after lawful disconnections for nonpayment of bills.

These unlawful activities contribute to substantial revenue losses and limit investments in expanding and maintaining water infrastructure. GWL has also reported widespread theft of water meters—essential for accurate billing—and direct tapping into pipelines, further compounding non-revenue water losses and operational challenges.

In May 2025, Mr Mutawakilu issued performance targets to all 103 district managers, giving them six months to meet benchmarks aimed at curbing illegal connections and improving revenue mobilisation. By November 2025, management’s assessment showed that 41 district managers had failed to achieve the set targets, prompting the planned reassignments.

“The things happening in their areas are clearly their fault. They could not instil the discipline that is needed,” Mr Mutawakilu said in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, adding that the reassignments form part of broader reforms to strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in GWL’s operations.

He urged staff to uphold integrity and remain vigilant in monitoring water connections, warning that those caught facilitating illegal connections will face strict consequences.