GWL halts services after staff bungalows were demolished

The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has suspended its water supply to some communities in the Ashanti Region following the demolition of staff bungalows by a private developer.

Emmanuel Akpoti Kodiah, Vice Chair of the GWL Workers’ Union, disclosed that the union has withdrawn services in protest against what it describes as the unlawful destruction of bungalows belonging to senior company directors.

The move, he warned, could disrupt water services to consumers in the coming weeks if the issue remains unresolved.

Mr. Kodiah condemned the demolition, calling it a blatant disregard for the company’s property. He emphasised that the union would remain on strike until the matter is addressed and a resolution is reached.

“We withdrew our staff from the operational centres, [including] the pumps that transmit water and the power valves that distribute…till we hear from the rightful authorities about the way forward, a restoration and a hands-off on our properties, We will be on this for a while. The Union eventually will have to meet and take a decision on how long this is going to be.”

The workers’ union staged a protest on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, giving authorities a 48-hour ultimatum to address the demolition and provide relief to the affected staff.

However, checks with the Lands Commission and the Regional Coordinating Council revealed that the land on which the demolished bungalows were situated is part of a 400-acre property ceded to the Asantehene as part of a historical compensation settlement.

The affected staff, according to these authorities, have been allocated alternative accommodations.

The GWL union has yet to respond to these developments, and the impasse threatens to exacerbate water shortages in affected areas if a resolution is not reached promptly.