The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has charged the newly inaugurated Board of Directors of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the governance of the nation’s urban water systems.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Accra, the Minister emphasized that the task before the Board is not ceremonial, but a “solemn national obligation” to ensure safe, sustainable, and equitable water supply across the country.
“You must lead with vision, act with integrity, manage with discipline, and govern with transparency,” Mr. Adjei stated. “Your appointment is not merely a ceremonial acknowledgment of previous accomplishments. It is a strategic directive for future performance.”
Underscoring the growing importance of water in Ghana’s developmental agenda, the Minister said water must now be treated not only as a social good but as a critical economic and public health asset. He noted that with the country’s rapid urbanisation and population growth, the pressure on water infrastructure is intensifying, especially in major cities like Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale and Cape Coast.
While acknowledging persistent challenges such as aging infrastructure, low revenue collection, illegal connections and high non-revenue water (currently at 50.55%), Mr. Adjei expressed confidence that with the right leadership and investment, the problems are solvable.
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He charged the Board to be transformational leaders—not to micromanage daily operations—but to provide strategic direction, champion innovation, and safeguard the public interest.
“You are expected to be architects of transformation. To steer this company from a position of perceived inefficiency to one of admired competence. From bureaucratic inertia to dynamic innovation,” he said.
The Minister outlined performance benchmarks jointly developed with the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) to guide the Board’s work. These include reducing non-revenue water to 30% by 2028, increasing urban water coverage to 95%, and improving revenue collection efficiency to 98% within the same period.
He also urged close collaboration between the Board and management, grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose.
“Let there be alignment in vision. Let there be collaboration in execution. But above all, let there be a shared commitment to service and to delivering water not just as a commodity, but as a human right and a sacred trust.”
The Board was sworn in on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
