The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Ing. Adam Mutawakilu, has formally inaugurated 200 National Service Personnel (NSP), tasking them with a critical mission to recover outstanding arrears and drive the company’s digital migration.
Addressing the personnel following an intensive preparatory training program, the Managing Director emphasized that their deployment is not a mere formality but a strategic move to bolster the company’s operational efficiency, particularly within the Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area (ATMA).
Highlighting the financial urgency of the mission, Ing. Mutawakilu revealed that as of December 31, total customer arrears stood at GH₵866 million. Notably, GH₵551 million, representing 63% of the total debt is concentrated within the Accra and Tema regions.
”This is why you have been strategically placed in areas you are conversant with,” the MD stated, noting that personnel have been assigned to regions close to their residences, such as Tema, Kasoa, and Accra-East, to ensure seamless movement. To facilitate this, the personnel have been equipped with tablets to geolocate customers and track collections in real-time.
A core component of the personnel’s mandate is to shift customer behavior toward electronic payment platforms. Currently, digital payments account for only 32% of GWL’s total revenue. The company aims to transition all customers to its mobile app or the shortcode *1010#.
”You are not supposed to collect cash,” Ing. Mutawakilu cautioned. “Your responsibility is to educate customers on using our digital channels. Many owe not because they refuse to pay, but because they lack easy access to payment points. You are there to bridge that gap.”
The Managing Director issued a stern warning against extortion and malpractice, revealing that GWL is collaborating with National Security and internal intelligence officers to monitor field activities.
”We have zero tolerance for actions that bring the company’s reputation into disrepute. Any form of extortion, disrespect, or falsification of reports will lead to immediate dismissal and a formal report to the National Service Secretariat,” he declared.
Beyond revenue collection, the personnel will act as “Company Ambassadors,” tasked with identifying illegal connections and malpractices that drain the company’s resources. The MD urged them to act with “courage, diligence, and absolute integrity,” reporting any irregularities to the company’s rapid-response teams for legal action.
Concluding his address, Ing. Mutawakilu reminded the graduates that they are now partners in GWL’s mission to provide sustainable water services.
”Ghana Water Limited is counting on you, and the communities we serve are counting on you. Go out there, stay disciplined, and let your service make a meaningful impact,” he charged.
Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
