A 50-year-old businessman, Ibrahim Baako Alhassan, has been convicted by the Tamale Circuit Court of illegally installing in-line water pumps, and devices to boost water flow on the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) service pipeline in Tamale.
Mr Alhassan was convicted on two counts: illegal use of an in-line pump contrary to Section 50 (c) of the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2413), and obstruction of public officers in the line of duty.
He was fined GH¢3,600 or in default, he would serve 12 months in prison. The court, presided over by Francis Asobayire Ayamwune, further directed him to sign a bond to be of good behaviour, while cautioning his wife who allegedly obstructed GWL officials during their duties.
Background
According to the prosecution, on February 22, 2025, Ghana Water Limited received a complaint from residents of Sakasaka, a suburb of Tamale, that although water was flowing in the network, most households were not receiving any.
However, one individual was accessing and selling water to residents.
Upon investigation, the Loss Control Team of GWL discovered that the accused had installed an in-line pump at his residence, drawing excess water and compromising the pressure within the distribution system. This deprived neighbouring homes of access to water.
The team immediately disconnected the illegal connection, and the convict was subsequently fined, which he paid.
The prosecution added that on May 2, 2025, during a routine inspection, the Loss Control Team again found out that Alhassan had reconnected the in-line pump to the pipeline.
He reportedly obstructed GWL officers from accessing the utility installation, prompting the team to call in the police for assistance.
The prosecution said further inspection on May 5 and 6, 2025, led to the retrieval of three pumps from the convict’s premises, two of which were illegally installed on the GWL pipelines.
Following this, the water supply to the premises was disconnected, and Alhassan was surcharged an amount of GH¢7,694.80 as a penalty, including arrears.
Reaction
Reacting to the ruling, the Northern Regional Chief Manager of GWL, Stephen Amihere-Mensah, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and said this would serve as a deterrent to others who illegally installed in-line pumps.
“This is not just a violation of regulations, it is a national security threat. Many people are tapping water illegally and selling it, which deprives others of this essential service.
It also goes against the PURC Act,” he added.
The chief manager, therefore, urged the public to desist from illegal connections and support GWL’s efforts to provide a reliable water supply to all residents.
Writer’s email:mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh
