Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has inaugurated the Governing Council of the Ghana Water Institute (GWI), charging its 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 needed to improve water service delivery in Ghana and across the sub-region.
It forms part of the company’s broader commitment to professional excellence, capacity development, and sustainable service delivery.
The Ghana Water Institute, a sub-subsidiary of Ghana Water Ltd, evolved from the Ghana Water Training Schools, which were established in 1965 to enhance 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.
It will also 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 Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja, Chairperson; Prof. Jasper Ayelazuno; Prof. Moro Adams; Dr. Joseph Kojo Ansong, Executive Directors; and Dr. Nashiru Zulkarnein, Rector.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra on Wednesday June 10, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ghana Water Ltd, Mr. Eric J. Biliguo, 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 extends 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,” Mr. Biliguo stated.
According to him, the institute has 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.
He said the institute must become the preferred destination for training not only for Ghana Water staff but also for professionals from across Ghana, West Africa, and beyond.
Mr. Biliguo 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.
He 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.
The Managing Director of Ghana Water Ltd, Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, described the inauguration as another important milestone in the company’s transformation agenda.
He said the institute would serve as a strategic centre of excellence for 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 said.
He noted that the administration of the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to council members underscored the importance of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
In her remarks, Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja, Chairperson of the Governing Council, 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 emphasised that 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 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 further pledged to pursue partnerships with universities, regulators, professional bodies, development partners, and industry experts to ensure that the institute remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the water and sanitation sector.
The Ghana Water Ltd Board challenged the council to position the Ghana Water 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.
By 1960news.com
