Accra, Ghana — Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has inaugurated the Governing Council of the Ghana Water Institute (GWI), setting an ambitious target of transforming the institution into West Africa’s leading centre for water-sector training, research, consultancy and professional development 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 region.
The Ghana Water Institute, a sub-subsidiary of Ghana Water Ltd, evolved from the Ghana Water Training Schools established in 1965 to support human resource development within the company and the wider water sector.
The Institute is expected to provide specialised training, research, consultancy and professional development services while serving as a platform for innovation, knowledge-sharing and capacity building in water resources management and utility operations.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, 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.
“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.
According to him, government’s vision for the water sector extends beyond the production and distribution of potable water to encompass innovation, knowledge creation, human capital development and institutional excellence.
Mr. Biliguo said the Institute had been tasked with developing a centre of excellence for training, research, innovation, consultancy and capacity building in areas including water resources management, utility operations, engineering, technology, leadership and governance.
He urged the newly inaugurated Council to pursue internationally recognised training programmes and certification courses, establish 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 the impact it has on improving water-sector performance,” he stated.
Managing Director of Ghana Water Ltd, **Mr. Adam Mutawakilu**, described the inauguration as another important milestone in the company’s ongoing transformation agenda.
He said the Institute would serve as a strategic hub for 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,” he said.
Mr. Mutawakilu 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 duties.
Responding on behalf of the Council, Chairperson of the Governing Council, Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in members and pledged to provide strategic direction and effective oversight to support the growth of the Institute.
She noted that human resource development remains critical to 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 pledged 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 committed to pursuing partnerships with universities, regulators, professional bodies, development partners and industry experts to ensure the Institute remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the water and sanitation sector.
The newly inaugurated Governing Council comprises Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja (Chairperson), Prof. Jasper Ayelazuno, Prof. Moro Adams, Dr. Joseph Kojo Ansong, Executive Directors, and Dr. Nashiru Zulkarnein, Rector.
Officials expressed confidence that with strong governance, innovation and strategic partnerships, the Ghana Water Institute can achieve its vision of becoming West Africa’s premier institution for water-sector training, research and consultancy.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
