Ghana losing over 52% of water daily; Accra faces 80-million-gallon deficit – Ghana Water MD

The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, has raised serious concerns over the alarming levels of unaccounted-for water in the country and the widening supply gap, particularly in the Greater Accra Region.

Speaking on Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor on Sunday, May 18, 2025, Mr. Mutawakilu revealed that as of December 2024, over 52 percent of water produced—equivalent to more than 150 million gallons —is untraceable due to physical leakages and illegal connections.

“As of December 2024, 52 percent of water production, equivalent to over 150 million gallons, is untraceable through physical leakages or illegal tracing,” he stated.

Mr. Mutawakilu attributed this significant water loss to aging infrastructure, widespread illegal connections, and ineffective monitoring systems, issues that have long plagued Ghana’s water distribution network.

He further highlighted a production shortfall in Accra, where water demand far exceeds supply. According to him, Ghana Water currently produces 140 million gallons daily for the capital, falling short of the estimated daily demand of 220 million gallons.

“We have a production shortfall because the demand for Accra is 220 million gallons, but we produce 140. Meaning we are not able to meet the demand of Ghanaians in Accra,” he explained.

The Managing Director also warned that illegal mining (galamsey) activities continue to threaten water sources by polluting major rivers such as the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim. These rivers serve as key sources for water treatment plants across the country.

Industry experts and stakeholders have consistently called for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and increased investment in water infrastructure to improve production capacity and reduce losses.

Mr. Mutawakilu emphasized the urgent need for a national strategy to curb water losses, invest in modern technology, and secure Ghana’s water future in the face of climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation.

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