GWCL Attributes Greater Kumasi Water Crisis to Inconsistent Power Supply
The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has attributed the ongoing water shortage in Greater Kumasi to unstable power supply from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
According to the company, persistent outages and voltage fluctuations in the Ashanti Region are severely affecting water production and distribution.
GWCL explained that three major facilities — the Barekese and Owabi Water Treatment Plants and the Achiase Booster Station — have experienced repeated power interruptions over the past few weeks. The disruptions have limited the company’s ability to treat and pump adequate volumes of water to meet growing demand in the metropolis.
Speaking on Akoma FM, the Ashanti Production Region Chief Manager, Dr. Hanson Mensah Akutteh, stressed the need for a dedicated power supply line to stabilize operations. He noted that the plants previously operated with dedicated lines, which helped ensure consistent water production.
“Frequent outages and voltage fluctuations are not allowing us to mitigate the supply deficits,” he stated, adding that restoring dedicated power lines to the treatment plants would significantly improve the situation. He emphasized that unreliable electricity is making it difficult to produce and transmit potable water to residents.
GWCL says it has formally notified ECG about the recurring power challenges and is urging the power distributor to improve electricity supply to all GWCL installations in the Ashanti Region. Management has also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to households and businesses affected by the water disruptions.
The water shortage has impacted several communities across Greater Kumasi, including Maxima, Atonsu-Agogo, Bantama, Abrepo, Krofrom, Dichemso and Asokwa.
Many residents have been without regular water supply for more than two weeks, forcing them to rely on boreholes, underground water sources and private vendors, often at higher costs.
