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

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has announced the arrest of 4,395 individuals and businesses in Accra as part of a crackdown on alleged water theft. The arrests, which followed an enforcement exercise launched in August 2025, targeted those suspected of diverting water illegally from the company's distribution network. Michael Tawiah Klutse, GWL's Chief Manager of Corporate Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, disclosed the number of arrests during an interview on Tuesday, November 10.

He noted that the extent of water theft uncovered through the exercise was alarming, with both households and commercial establishments implicated. GWL deployed 12 enforcement teams across Accra to identify illegal connections, water diversion, and other forms of unauthorized water use. The company expressed concern over the growing practice of water theft, warning that it undermined their operations and efforts to provide reliable water services.

Some cases uncovered during the crackdown have been referred to court, with prosecutions currently underway. GWL stated that the crackdown will continue as they strive to protect their distribution network and ensure consumers access water through authorized connections.