By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Residents of East Legon Hills in Accra have formally petitioned the Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), calling for urgent intervention to address what they describe as a persistent and worsening water supply crisis in the community.
The petition, submitted on January 26, 2026, by the East Legon Hills Residents Association (ELHRA), outlines prolonged water shortages that residents say have disrupted daily life, affected health and sanitation, and placed severe financial burdens on households, schools, and small businesses.
According to ELHRA, several homes in the community have gone for more than fifteen months without water flowing through their taps, while others receive water only occasionally and at unsustainable pressure levels. The Association says the situation has forced most residents to rely entirely on private water tanker services, whose rising costs and uncertain water quality have further compounded the hardship.
The petition indicates that despite repeated engagements with district and regional officials of the Ghana Water Company, the situation has not improved. ELHRA referenced several verbal and written communications, including a letter dated November 17, 2025, and a response from GWCL dated November 20, 2025. Following these exchanges, a bi-weekly water supply schedule was reportedly shared with residents by GWCL officials, including the Regional Manager. However, ELHRA says the schedule has not been adhered to, worsening frustration and mistrust within the community.
Residents also raised concerns about billing, stating that some households continue to receive and pay water bills despite having little or no water supply, while others receive zero-amount bills for extended periods. The Association further cited perceived inequitable distribution, with some homes on the same service lines receiving minimal water while others receive none.
In the petition, ELHRA is requesting a thorough investigation into the root causes of the supply failure, a clear and reliable plan with timelines to restore consistent water flow, interim relief measures such as enforceable supply schedules or tanker support, and guidance on billing reconciliation or relief. The Association is also calling for an investigation into alleged diversion of water to commercial tanker operators and improved transparency to rebuild trust between the utility provider and residents.
ELHRA has additionally requested a high-level stakeholder meeting between senior management of the Ghana Water Company and the Association’s leadership within the shortest possible time.
While reaffirming its commitment to a cooperative and respectful relationship with Ghana Water Company Limited, the Association notes that residents are increasingly distressed, financially burdened, and losing confidence in the responsiveness of the utility. The petition describes the prolonged water deprivation as unsustainable and a potential security concern.
Copies of the petition, ELHRA says, are to be shared with relevant state institutions as part of efforts to escalate the matter and secure lasting solutions to the water challenges facing East Legon Hills.
