The Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has officially inaugurated the Governing Council of the Ghana Water Institute (GWI), tasking its members with transforming the institution into West Africa’s premier centre for water-sector training, research, consultancy, and professional development.
The ceremony, held in Accra on Wednesday, represents a key milestone in GWL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, foster innovation, and build the skilled workforce needed to enhance water service delivery across Ghana and the sub-region.
GWI evolved from the Ghana Water Training Schools, established in 1965 to develop human resources for the company and the broader water sector.
As a sub-subsidiary of Ghana Water Ltd, the Institute is mandated to deliver high-quality training, applied research, professional development programmes, and consultancy services while promoting knowledge sharing and innovation in water resources management and utility operations.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of GWL, Mr Eric J. Biliguo, described the establishment of the Institute as a deliberate strategic intervention.
“The establishment of the Ghana Water Institute is not accidental. It is a deliberate strategic intervention aimed at strengthening the future of the water sector and ensuring that Ghana Water Ltd evolves into a modern, diversified and financially sustainable enterprise,” he said.
Biliguo urged the Council to develop internationally recognised training programmes and certifications, forge partnerships with universities and development partners, conduct research addressing operational challenges, and generate sustainable revenue through consultancy services.
He emphasised that the Institute’s success would be measured by the quality of knowledge generated and its tangible impact on sector performance.
Managing Director of Ghana Water Ltd, Mr Adam Mutawakilu, hailed the inauguration as another significant step in the company’s transformation agenda.
“The establishment and operationalisation of these subsidiaries reflect our deliberate efforts to strengthen institutional efficiency, diversify revenue streams, enhance capacity development and create long-term value for the people of Ghana,” Mutawakilu stated.
He noted that the administration of the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to council members highlighted the expectations of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Chairperson of the GWI Governing Council, Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja, expressed appreciation for the appointment and pledged to provide strategic leadership.
“The water sector is central to public health, economic development and national progress. However, sustainable water service delivery requires more than infrastructure. It requires skilled professionals, strong institutions, sound systems, innovation, ethical leadership and continuous learning,” she said.
Prof. Abujaja committed the Council to positioning GWI as a credible centre of excellence through strategic partnerships with universities, regulators, professional bodies, and industry stakeholders.
The Governing Council members consists of Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja as Chairman. It also has Prof. Jasper Ayelazuno, Prof. Moro Adams, Dr. Joseph Kojo Ansong as members with the Rector being Dr. Nashiru Zulkarnein.
The GWL Council was challenged to establish the Institute as the leading water-sector training, research, and consultancy institution in West Africa within the next three years. Officials believe this target is achievable through robust governance, innovation, and effective collaborations.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision for the water sector, which extends beyond infrastructure to encompass knowledge creation, human capital development, and institutional excellence.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
