Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has disclosed that a significant portion of its losses over the years has been largely driven by commercial-related activities, with illegal connections and meter bypassing topping the list of major contributors.

According to the state-owned water utility provider, about 78 percent of losses recorded over the years stem from what it describes as commercial losses. These include illegal water connections, deliberate bypassing of meters, building anomalies, and outright water theft, all of which continue to undermine the company’s ability to operate efficiently and sustainably.

GWL noted that the financial impact of these activities has been severe, resulting in outstanding arrears amounting to more than GH?2 billion since 2023.

The growing debt burden, the company explained, has placed immense pressure on its operations, limiting its capacity to invest in infrastructure upgrades, expand water coverage, and ensure consistent service delivery across the country.

In response to the escalating losses, Ghana Water Limited has established National Revenue Enhancement Teams, a move aimed at tightening revenue collection, identifying leakages in the system, and clamping down on illegal practices that deprive the company of much-needed income.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Revenue Enhancement Teams, the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, provided a detailed breakdown of the factors contributing to non-revenue water.

He explained that while commercial losses account for the majority, technical challenges also play a notable role.

“Our assessment over the period indicates about 22 percent of the non-revenue water relates to technical losses because of the aged pipes and aged transmission and distribution lines I indicated earlier. And about 78 percent is a result of illegal connections, meter bypassing, building anomalies and water theft.”