GWL arrests 4,395 over alleged water theft in Accra crackdown

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) says it has arrested 4,395 people from households and commercial establishments over alleged water theft as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal connections and unauthorised water use.

The arrests follow an enforcement exercise launched in August 2025 to identify individuals and businesses suspected of diverting water illegally from the company's distribution network.

GWL's Chief Manager of Corporate Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Michael Tawiah Klutse, disclosed the figures during an interview on Tuesday, November 10.

He said the scale of water theft uncovered during the exercise had been worrying, with both households and commercial establishments implicated.

“From the time we started this exercise in August 2025 up to date, you will be surprised what you'll see. But we have almost about 4,395 households and establishments,” he said.

Mr Klutse said GWL had deployed 12 enforcement teams across Accra to identify illegal connections, water diversion and other forms of unauthorised use.

He expressed concern about the growing practice of water theft, warning that it undermined the company's operations and efforts to provide reliable water services.

He further disclosed that some cases uncovered during the exercise had been referred to court, with prosecutions currently underway.

GWL says the crackdown will continue as it seeks to protect its distribution network and ensure consumers access water through authorised connections.