Ghana Water Inaugurates Governing Council to Transform Water Institute into West Africa’s Leading Centre of Excellence
Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has inaugurated the Governing Council of the Ghana Water Institute (GWI), setting an ambitious target for the institution to become the leading water-sector training, research and consultancy centre in West Africa within the next three years.
The move forms part of Ghana Water’s broader strategy to strengthen institutional capacity, promote innovation, and develop the skilled workforce needed to improve water service delivery in Ghana and across the sub-region.
The Ghana Water Institute, a sub-subsidiary of GWL, evolved from the Ghana Water Training Schools established in 1965 to enhance human resource development within the company and the wider water sector.
The Institute is expected to provide training, research, consultancy and professional development services while fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing.
The newly inaugurated Governing Council is chaired by Professor Afishata Mohammed Abujaja and includes Professor Jasper Ayelazuno, Professor Moro Adams, Dr Joseph Kojo Ansong, Executive Directors, and Dr Nashiru Zulkarnein, the Rector of the Institute.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ghana Water Limited, Eric J. Biliguo, described the establishment of the Institute as a strategic intervention aimed at securing the future of Ghana’s water sector and supporting the transformation of Ghana Water into a modern and financially sustainable enterprise.
“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,” Mr Biliguo stated.
He explained that the Institute had been tasked with developing a centre of excellence for training, research, innovation, consultancy and capacity building in key areas such as water resources management, utility operations, engineering, technology, leadership and governance.
According to him, the Institute should become the preferred destination for training not only Ghana Water staff but also professionals from across Ghana, West Africa and beyond.
Mr Biliguo urged the Council to develop internationally recognised training programmes and certifications, forge strategic partnerships with universities and development partners, promote research that addresses operational challenges in the water sector, and generate sustainable revenue through consultancy and knowledge services.
“The success of the Institute will 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,” he emphasized.
Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing transformation agenda.
He noted that the Institute would serve as a strategic hub for excellence in water-sector training, research, innovation and professional development, while positioning Ghana as a regional centre 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 said.
He added that the administration of the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to Council members highlighted the importance of integrity, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
In her acceptance remarks, Professor Afishata Mohammed Abujaja expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the Council and pledged its commitment to providing strategic direction, policy guidance and institutional oversight to ensure the Institute’s success.
She stressed that sustainable water service delivery depends not only on infrastructure but also on the quality of human resources and institutions supporting the sector.
“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.
Professor Abujaja further assured stakeholders that the Council would work to establish the Institute as a credible centre of excellence for training, research, knowledge-sharing and professional development.
She also pledged to strengthen partnerships with universities, regulators, professional bodies, development partners and industry experts to ensure the Institute remains responsive to the evolving needs of the water and sanitation sector.
With strong governance, innovation and strategic collaborations identified as key pillars for success, Ghana Water Limited believes the Institute is well-positioned to become a premier centre for water-sector capacity building and knowledge generation in West Africa.
Source: expressnewsghana.com
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