Ghana Water Limited is losing almost half of its daily output to illegal taps and decaying infrastructure, forcing the utility to operate well below national demand.
Managing Director Adam Mutawakilu revealed that non-revenue water—treated supply that generates no income due to theft or leaks—stood at 47.6 per cent as of June 2026. While the figure marks a drop from 52.2 per cent in December 2024 and 51.6 per cent in December 2025, unbilled usage remains critical.
The state utility currently pumps roughly 219 million gallons a day, leaving a major shortfall against the country’s daily requirement of 350 million gallons. Unauthorised draw-offs make up the vast majority of the missing volume.
“The water is not lost. It is consumed by Ghanaians, but illegally,” Mutawakilu said.
Illegal connections account for approximately 78 per cent of the unaccounted-for supply, with physical bursts and pipe degradation making up the remaining 22 per cent. Mutawakilu noted that sections of the distribution network date back to the 1960s, leaving lines fragile and prone to rupturing.
To stem the financial bleed and boost revenue collection, the company has ramped up mains replacement projects alongside a nationwide crack-down on illegal connections.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
