GWL Inaugurates New Board to Spearhead Sector Transformation

In a move seen as pivotal to revitalizing Ghana’s urban water sector, the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has inaugurated a newly constituted Board of Directors for Ghana Water Limited (GWL).

The inauguration, held at a brief but symbolic ceremony in Accra, marks the beginning of what officials describe as a transformative era in water governance.

Speaking at the swearing-in, Minister Adjei emphasized that the event was “not a mere administrative exercise,” but a “solemn national obligation” vital to the country’s development and the reform of public service delivery.

He said the strategic oversight expected of the new Board would be central to addressing systemic challenges in the water sector and meeting the growing demand for reliable water services.

The newly appointed Board is chaired by Mr. Eric J. Biliguo Adama, the President’s nominee. Other members include Acting Managing Director Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, Dr. Hadisu Alhassan (Worker’s Representative), Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja, Alhaji Abu Mahama, Mr. Ibrahim Abdul Jalil, Agbesi Nutsu, Prof. Jasper A. Ayelazuno, and Mr. Mathias Kwame Ntow.

Minister Adjei outlined the strategic role of the Board in overseeing a utility that he said must now be seen as both a social service and a strategic economic resource.

“Water is no longer just a social good,” he noted. “It is a public health necessity, an industrial input, and a development catalyst.”

Citing rapid urbanization—now exceeding 56% of Ghana’s population—the Minister pointed to aging infrastructure, high levels of Non-Revenue Water (NRW), limited capital investment, and deteriorating source water quality as key hurdles the Board must tackle with urgency and innovation.

The Minister charged the Board to “lead with vision, act with integrity, and govern with transparency,” insisting that public trust in state institutions depends on their ability to deliver results, especially amid mounting pressures from climate change and population growth.

In collaboration with the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), the Ministry has defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Board, including reducing NRW from 50.55% to 30% by 2028, increasing urban water coverage to 95%, improving revenue collection efficiency to 98%, and cutting the age of arrears to two months.

“You are not here to micromanage,” the Minister cautioned. “Your mandate is strategic oversight, not day-to-day administration. Work collaboratively with management, but maintain independence to uphold accountability.”

The ceremony also saw an address by the new Board Chairman, Mr. Eric J. Biliguo Adama, who expressed deep gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his appointment and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to the transformation agenda.

“We fully understand the weight of the responsibility placed upon us,” said Mr. Adama. “We will work closely with management to improve operational efficiency, increase water access, and enhance service delivery for all Ghanaians.”

He echoed the Minister’s call for professionalism, ethical leadership, and performance excellence, assuring stakeholders that the Board was ready to deliver on the ambitious targets set by the Ministry and SIGA.

Minister Adjei concluded with a call to purpose: “Potential is not enough. It must be converted into purposeful action and measurable outcomes. You have been entrusted with a sacred national duty. Now, go forth and make a difference.”

With the inauguration complete, GWL’s new leadership has been officially tasked with charting a bold, forward-looking path for water service delivery—one grounded in accountability, sustainability, and a renewed commitment to serve the Ghanaian people.