The Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has inaugurated the Governing Council of the Ghana Water Institute (GWI), charging members to position the institution as the leading centre for water-sector training, research, consultancy and professional development in West Africa.
The inauguration marks a significant step in Ghana Water’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, promote innovation and develop the human resources required to improve water service delivery in Ghana and across the sub-region.
It forms part of Ghana Water’s broader commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting professional excellence and ensuring sustainable service delivery.
GWI, a sub-subsidiary of Ghana Water Ltd, evolved from the Ghana Water Training Schools, which started in 1965, to strengthen human resource development within the Company and the wider water sector.
The Institute is expected to provide training, research, professional development and consultancy services while promoting innovation and knowledge-sharing.
The Institute will support Ghana’s efforts to build a highly skilled workforce capable of addressing emerging challenges in water resources management and utility operations.
The members of the Governing Council are: Chairperson: Prof Afishata Mohammed Abujaja, Chairperson; Prof Jasper Ayelazuno, Prof Moro Adams, Dr Joseph Kojo Ansong, Executive Directors; Dr Nashiru Zulkarnein, Rector.
Speaking at the ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, June 11, Mr Eric J. Biliguo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GWL, described the establishment of the Institute as a strategic intervention aimed at securing the future of Ghana’s water sector while supporting the transformation of Ghana Water into a modern, diversified and financially sustainable utility.
He said the Government’s vision for the water sector extended beyond the production and distribution of potable water to include innovation, knowledge creation, human capital development and institutional excellence.
“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.
Mr Biliguo said the Institute had been entrusted with the responsibility of developing a centre of excellence for training, research, innovation, consultancy and capacity building in areas such as water resources management, utility operations, engineering, technology, leadership and governance.
According to him, the Institute must become the preferred destination for training not only for Ghana Water staff but also for professionals from Ghana, West Africa and beyond.
He urged the Council to develop internationally recognised training programmes and certifications, establish strategic partnerships with universities and development partners, promote research that addresses operational challenges within the water sector and generate sustainable revenue through consultancy and knowledge services.
The Board Chairman stressed that the success of the Institute would not be measured solely by the number of training programmes organised but by the quality of knowledge generated and its impact on improving water-sector performance.
Mr Adam Mutawakilu, Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, described the inauguration as another important milestone in the Company’s transformation agenda.
He said the Institute would serve as a strategic centre for excellence in water-sector training, research, innovation and professional development while positioning Ghana as a regional hub for technical expertise and leadership development.
“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,” Mr Mutawakilu stated.
He noted that the administration of the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to members underscored the importance of integrity, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja, Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Ghana Water Institute, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in the Council and pledged to provide strategic direction, policy guidance and institutional oversight to support the growth of the Institute.
She said the Council recognised the critical role of human resource development in achieving sustainable water service delivery and improving sector performance.
“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 said the Council would work to ensure that the Institute became a credible centre of excellence for training, research, knowledge-sharing and professional development.
She pledged to pursue partnerships with universities, regulators, professional bodies, development partners and industry experts to ensure that the Institute remained relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the water and sanitation sector.
The Council was challenged by the Ghana Water Ltd Board to position the Institute as the leading water-sector training, research and consultancy institution in West Africa within the next three years, a target officials believe is achievable through strong governance, innovation and strategic partnerships.
