In a move that underscores the growing financial strain within Ghana’s public utility sector, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has disconnected power supply to the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) over an outstanding debt of GH¢999.6 million.
The exercise took place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, as ECG’s task force intensified efforts to retrieve debts owed by state institutions and private entities.
The disconnection has already begun to affect water production and distribution across parts of the country, sparking concerns among households, businesses, and public health officials.
According to officials from ECG, the decision to cut power was a last resort after repeated attempts to recover the arrears failed. ECG claims that GWCL’s persistent default is compromising its own ability to operate efficiently and meet its obligations, including purchasing electricity from power producers and maintaining infrastructure.
ECG’s nationwide disconnection exercise will target all categories of customers with outstanding arrears, including residential, commercial, industrial, as well as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
According to the Company, special teams will monitor the exercise and will “apprehend and prosecute customers who attempt to interfere with the exercise, and/or undertake illegal self-reconnection after disconnection.”
ECG advised customers with arrears to pay their bills to avoid disconnection.
The situation has prompted calls from civil society groups, unions, and consumer rights organizations for immediate government intervention.
Many have highlighted the broader implications of the standoff, including the potential for sanitation crises and public health emergencies if water supply is not restored quickly.
After, the disconnection of Ghaa Water Company, the ECG task force proceeded to the premises of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), which was disconnected over an outstanding debt of GH¢3,153,484.98.
According to ECG, GBC failed to comply with a structured payment plan previously agreed upon, necessitating the disconnection.
However, ECG has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to GWL to settle its outstanding debt or risk an extended disconnection of power supply to its main pumping stations, which are crucial for nationwide water distribution.
