The Ghana Water Company Ltd has inaugurated the Governing Council of its Ghana Water Institute (GWI), charging members to position the institution as the leading centre for water-sector training, research, consultancy and professional development in West Africa.
The inauguration of the Governing Council of the Institute which is expected to provide training, research, professional development and consultancy services while promoting innovation and knowledge-sharing marks a significant step in Ghana Water’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, promote innovation and develop the human resources required to improve water service delivery in Ghana and across the sub-region.
The Institute 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 Governing Council will be headed by Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja who will serve as Chairperson with other members including Prof. Jasper Ayelazuno, Prof. Moro Adams, and Dr. Joseph Kojo Ansong, who will serve in their capacity as Executive Directors, and Dr. Nashiru Zulkarnein, who will serve as Rector.
Speaking at the ceremony the Chairman of the Board of Directors of GWL, Mr Eric J. Biliguo, stated that the Government’s vision for the water sector extended 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,” he said
He also 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.
Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, 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 in 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 stated.
Chairperson of the Governing Council, Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja 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 said 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.
The Council was also challenged by the Ghana Water Ltd Board to position the 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.