Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has lost more than GH₵88 million between January 2024 and May 2025. The losses were caused by illegal connections and pipeline tampering in the Northern Region. This is said to largely contribute to the Tamale Water Crisis.
This was revealed at the launch of a new initiative called “Tamale in Focus.” The campaign aims to stop the revenue leakages affecting GWCL’s ability to supply reliable water.
A Non-Revenue Water Officer at GWCL said the illegal activities have made it difficult for the company to operate effectively. He noted that the problem is widespread and urgent.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is leading the initiative in partnership with GWCL and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
PURC’s Regional Manager, Ali Simon Jarana, said the debts facing utility companies are now at dangerous levels. He warned that if the situation is not addressed, companies like GWCL and NEDCo could collapse.
He added that utility providers are under financial pressure, and rising customer debts are exacerbating the situation.
Northern Regional Minister Adolf Ali John also spoke at the event. He said anyone caught tampering with utility infrastructure will face the law.
He stressed that GWCL and NEDCo are the only public utility companies serving the region. He warned that their survival is at risk due to mounting debts and illegal connections, especially in Tamale.
