Tema, March 13, – Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has uncovered an unauthorised connection to its main water distribution line in the Tema industrial area that was allegedly being used to siphon treated water for sale to private tanker operators.
Mr Samson Ampah, Tema Regional Communications Manager of GWL, told journalists after an inspection that the illegal installation was detected following information provided by a member of the public.
The connection was located in a structure opposite the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) office within the Tema industrial enclave.
Mr Ampah explained that the suspect had attached a four-inch pipeline to a 15-inch asbestos cement main distribution line, which supplies water to industries and free zone companies in the area.
According to him, the individual had built an underground chamber more than three metres deep, fitted with metal steps to provide access to a gate valve used to control the illegal water flow.
“What is happening is that he connected a four-inch line to the 15-inch AC pipe and planted a gate valve. When he opens it, the water flows into tanker trucks, and he collects the money directly,” Mr Ampah said.
He noted that the suspect reportedly operated mostly at night, selling the diverted water to tanker operators. The connection had no meter installed, meaning the water taken was not recorded in the company’s billing system.
“This means the entire revenue from the water he sells goes into his pocket while Ghana Water does not benefit at all,” he added.
Mr Ampah described the activity as unacceptable, stressing that all water treated at the **Kpong Water Treatment Plant must be properly accounted for through legitimate payment.
The operation that uncovered the illegal setup involved a joint team comprising personnel from national security, the military, the regional police command, and officials from GWL’s head office.
However, the suspect reportedly fled before the task force arrived. Security agencies are currently searching for him. He has been identified as Nana Sarpong, who allegedly operates under the company name Naspon and is popularly known as “Cashman.”
Mr Ampah expressed confidence that the suspect would soon be apprehended and prosecuted.
He explained that the exercise was part of activities by the National Enforcement Team, created by the Managing Director of GWL to combat non-revenue water losses.
Mr Ampah also called on the public to assist the company in detecting illegal water connections, assuring informants that their identities would be strictly protected.
“If anyone provides us with a tip and it turns out to be credible, we will never disclose the identity of the informant. There is also a handsome reward for anyone whose information leads to the detection of illegal connections,” he said.
He warned that illegal connections placed a significant financial burden on the company, as large sums were spent on chemicals, electricity, and maintenance to produce treated water.
Mr Ampah cautioned individuals engaged in such activities to stop immediately, noting that enforcement operations would continue in other areas.
He said the company would intensify measures to ensure that treated water reaches legitimate consumers instead of being diverted through illegal means.
GHBUSS
March 13, 2026
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