Ghana Water Limited Uncovers Sophisticated Illegal Connection at Mineral Water Factory in Klagon, Tema
Officials of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) have exposed a major case of illegal water diversion at a mineral water production facility in the Klagon area near Tema, highlighting the persistent challenge of non-revenue water that continues to drain national resources and hamper service delivery.
The discovery was made during a targeted inspection by a GWL task force established to combat illegal connections. Internal assessments had previously shown that approximately 52% of treated water produced by GWL remains unaccounted for, translating into massive revenue losses that undermine the company’s ability to maintain infrastructure, expand coverage, and improve supply reliability.
Tema Regional Communications Manager for GWL, Sampson Ampah, addressed journalists at the site and detailed the findings. The illegal connection involved a sophisticated bypass of a 16-inch main distribution pipeline running directly in front of the factory.
Investigators discovered that a two-inch pipeline had been illegally tapped into the main line, buried underground, routed behind a perimeter wall, and passed through an adjacent sugarcane farm before entering the factory premises.
“The pipe was deliberately hidden to make detection extremely difficult,” Mr. Ampah explained. Once inside the facility, the illegal line was further disguised with valves and fittings designed to give the appearance of being inactive or dormant.
However, technical probes by the task force—including pressure tests and flow monitoring—confirmed the line was actively supplying large volumes of treated water directly into the factory’s production processes, bypassing official metering and billing entirely.
GWL has launched full investigations into the matter. Mr. Ampah stated that individuals or entities found culpable will face arrest and prosecution, with the case to be handed over to the police for criminal proceedings.
The incident underscores the broader national problem of illegal water connections, which GWL estimates cost the utility millions of Ghana cedis annually in lost revenue.
These losses contribute to frequent supply interruptions, delayed maintenance, and challenges in extending piped water to underserved communities.
Mr. Ampah appealed to the public to play an active role in curbing the menace: “We urge the general public to support the fight against illegal water connections by reporting any suspicious activities, unusual digging near pipelines, unexplained high water usage at commercial sites, or other irregularities to Ghana Water Limited’s district or regional offices, or directly to the nearest police station.”
GWL has intensified nationwide crackdowns in recent months, deploying dedicated anti-illegal connection teams, smart metering pilots, and community sensitization efforts. Authorities have warned that tampering with public water infrastructure is a criminal offence under the Ghana Water Company Limited Act and related laws, carrying severe penalties including fines, imprisonment, and recovery of stolen water costs.
