Ghana Water Limited (GWL) loses 47.6% of its daily water production to illegal connections and infrastructure leakages. This significant loss represents water produced but not billed, directly impacting the company's financial health and operational efficiency.
Adam Mutawakilu, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GWL, disclosed this figure during a recent discussion. He highlighted that illegal consumption accounts for 78% of this unaccounted-for water. The remaining 22% is attributed to physical leakages from the distribution network. This situation means a substantial portion of treated water never generates revenue for the utility.
This issue fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative concerning public utility efficiency and infrastructure investment. The country faces ongoing challenges in maintaining and upgrading essential services. Data from June 2026 shows a non-revenue water rate of 47.6%, an improvement from 52.2% in December 2024 and 51.6% in December 2025. Despite this progress, nearly half of the daily supply remains unbilled. GWL currently produces 219 million gallons of water daily, against a national demand of 350 million gallons.
Mr. Mutawakilu stated, "The water is not lost. It is consumed by Ghanaians, but illegally." He further explained that many pipelines have been in use since the 1960s, contributing to the leakages. These aging pipes are prone to bursts and cracks, leading to considerable water wastage before it reaches legitimate customers. The company serves approximately 18.5 million people nationwide, making efficient water distribution critical.
The implications for GWL's finances and service delivery are substantial. Reduced revenue from unbilled water limits the company's ability to invest in new infrastructure and maintenance. This can lead to persistent water supply challenges and quality concerns for consumers. GWL has intensified efforts to replace old pipelines and combat illegal connections. These measures are crucial for improving revenue collection and ensuring sustainable water access for Ghana's growing population. Stakeholders will closely monitor the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing the non-revenue water rate further.
The problem of non-revenue water also affects the broader economy by diverting resources that could be used for other developmental projects. When a utility like GWL struggles financially, it may require government subsidies, placing a burden on public finances. Efficient management of water resources is vital for public health and economic stability. Addressing these losses will free up funds for expansion projects and better service provision. The fight against illegal connections requires public cooperation and stricter enforcement. Replacing outdated infrastructure demands significant capital investment, potentially from government or international partners. Ghana's economic growth depends on reliable access to essential services like clean water. Therefore, reducing these losses is a key priority for national development.