Ahmed Ibrahim sets 40% non-revenue water target for Ghana Water Limited

The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, has issued a stern warning to the management and staff of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), urging them to desist from acts of sabotage and politicization. Speaking during a visit to the utility provider on October 20, 2026, the Minister emphasized that the provision of safe and clean water is a critical national service that must not be compromised by negligence or partisan interests. He cautioned that staff members who allow political affiliations to interfere with their professional duties risk hindering the company's progress and harming the public interest.

Ibrahim characterized the intentional undermining of the company's operations as a "curse," drawing parallels between current challenges and past failures in public sector performance. The Minister's remarks underscored a broader government push for efficiency within state-owned enterprises, particularly those responsible for essential services. He urged the workforce to be responsible in delivering safe and clean water to Ghanaians, noting that the utility has significant potential for improvement if internal sabotage is eliminated.

A central focus of the Minister’s address was the high rate of non-revenue water—water that is produced but lost through leaks, theft, or metering inaccuracies—which currently stands at 47%. Ibrahim explicitly dismissed management's attempts to blame recent flooding for these high losses. Consequently, he set a strict performance target for the company to reduce its non-revenue water rate to 40% or lower by December 2026, challenging the leadership to move beyond excuses and adopt more robust technical and administrative solutions.

Despite his firm warnings, the Minister expressed confidence in GWL’s potential to improve its service delivery and operational viability. He reminded the workforce that their efforts are foundational to the health and well-being of the population and that the government expects a return on its investments in the sector. The directive signals a heightened level of oversight for the water utility as it moves toward the end-of-2026 deadline for its efficiency targets.