Ghana Water begins legal action over GH¢32 million unpaid customer bills in Eastern region

The water utility provider in Ghana’s Eastern Region has launched a major legal drive to recover more than GH¢ 32 million owed by long-term defaulters. The drive targets both residential and commercial customers who have either ignored repeated reminders or refused to settle outstanding bills even after disconnection.

According to the regional management of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), fifteen customers have already been summoned to court in the first phase of this campaign. More cases are expected to follow as the company intensifies efforts to clean up its books and secure vital revenue necessary for operations.

The decision to escalate to court comes after months of unsuccessful reminders and notices. GWL maintained that the unpaid bills are affecting its ability to maintain pipe networks, purchase water-treatment chemicals, pay staff, and carry out upgrades to infrastructure.

In a statement, the Chief Manager for the region emphasised that the campaign signals a serious commitment to financial sustainability and service reliability. He warned that customers and businesses must clear outstanding debts to avoid disconnection or legal consequences, adding that the company will apply the law without fear or favour.

Civil society and consumer-advocacy groups have welcomed the move but called on GWL to ensure fairness. They argued that measures should also include flexible payment plans, especially for households and institutions that genuinely struggle with cash flow. They warned that aggressive debt recovery must not result in denied access to water, a basic necessity.

The Eastern-region campaign forms part of a broader nationwide push by GWL to recover billions in past-due payments. The company argues that without clearing outstanding debts, it cannot guarantee consistent water supply, upgrades, maintenance, or expand services to underserved areas.

As the trials begin, many in the region are watching closely. For some defaulters, the summons marks a wake-up call to settle debts; for others, it raises concerns over the cost of compliance and potential loss of water access. GWL insists that payment is indispensable, for both service delivery and long-term sustainability.