Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has inaugurated the Governing Council of the Ghana Water Institute (GWI), setting an ambitious target for the institution to become the leading centre for water-sector training, research, and consultancy in West Africa within the next three years.
The move forms part of Ghana Water’s broader transformation agenda aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, promoting innovation, and developing the skilled workforce needed to address emerging challenges in water resources management and utility operations.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, Chairman of the GWL Board of Directors, Eric J. Biliguo, described the establishment of the Institute as a strategic investment in the future of Ghana’s water sector and a key pillar in efforts to transform Ghana Water into a modern, diversified and financially sustainable utility.
“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 stated.
According to him, the Government’s vision for the sector extends beyond the production and distribution of potable water to include innovation, knowledge creation, human capital development and institutional excellence.
The Ghana Water Institute, a sub-subsidiary of Ghana Water Ltd, evolved from the Ghana Water Training Schools established in 1965 to support human resource development within the company and the wider water sector.
The Institute is expected to serve as a centre of excellence for training, research, innovation, consultancy and professional development, while promoting knowledge-sharing and building technical expertise across the sector.
Mr. Biliguo urged the newly inaugurated Council to develop internationally recognised training programmes and certifications, forge strategic partnerships with universities and development partners, promote research that addresses operational challenges and generate sustainable revenue through consultancy and knowledge services.
He stressed that the Institute’s success would be measured not by the number of training programmes organised but by the quality of knowledge produced and its impact on improving water-sector performance.
Managing Director of Ghana Water Ltd, Adam Mutawakilu, described the inauguration as another major milestone in the company’s transformation journey.
He said the operationalisation of the Institute reflects deliberate efforts to strengthen institutional efficiency, diversify revenue streams, enhance capacity development and create long-term value for the people of Ghana.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Mutawakilu noted that the administration of the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to Council members underscored the importance of integrity, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Governing Council is chaired by Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja and includes Prof. Jasper Ayelazuno, Prof. Moro Adams, Dr. Joseph Kojo Ansong, Executive Directors, and Dr. Nashiru Zulkarnein, Rector of the Institute.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, Prof. Abujaja expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in members and pledged to provide strategic direction and oversight to support the growth of the Institute.
She noted that sustainable water service delivery depends not only on infrastructure but also on skilled professionals, strong institutions, innovation and continuous learning.
“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.
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Prof. Abujaja pledged that the Council would work to position the Institute as a credible centre of excellence for training, research, knowledge-sharing and professional development, while pursuing partnerships with universities, regulators, professional bodies and development partners to ensure its continued relevance.
Officials believe the Institute’s target of becoming West Africa’s premier water-sector training and research institution is achievable through strong governance, innovation and strategic partnerships.
