Ageing GWCL pipelines dating back to 1960s driving water losses – MD laments

Some pipelines operated by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) date back to the 1960s and have deteriorated significantly, contributing to persistent leakages and water losses, the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adam Mutawakilu, has disclosed.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, September 2, during a discussion on “Is Ghana’s water quality and access under threat?”, Mr Mutawakilu said the age and deteriorating condition of some pipelines had compromised their structural integrity.

He cited pipelines in the Weija area as an example, noting that some had been in service since the 1960s.

“If you take Weija, some of them date back to the 1960s, and they have been there all this while. So, in terms of integrity, they have been compromised, and therefore, any pressure gives way,” he said.

Mr Mutawakilu said the company had also faced significant challenges with ageing metallic pipelines, particularly in parts of Accra.

He explained that the deteriorated pipelines could rupture when subjected to increased water pressure, resulting in leakages and further water losses.

According to him, the GWCL has, since March 2026, prioritised the replacement of damaged and obsolete pipelines rather than focusing primarily on expanding the existing network.

He said the replacement programme had contributed to a gradual reduction in non-revenue water—the portion of water produced that does not generate revenue for the company.

Non-revenue water declined from 52.2% in December 2024 to 51.6% in December 2025, before falling further to 47.6% by June 2026, he disclosed.

Mr Mutawakilu said the company would continue replacing weakened and ageing pipelines as part of efforts to reduce leakages, minimise water losses and improve the reliability of water supply.