The Managing Director of Ghana Water Ltd. (GWL), Ing. Dr. Clifford A. Braimah, has announced a significant development in the company’s mission to address water loss and improve urban water management with the launch of a new Leak Detection Field at the Ghana Water Institute (GWI).
This facility aims to train GWL engineers and technicians in advanced leak detection techniques, as part of an ongoing partnership with Denmark, specifically the City of Aarhus.
Addressing attendees at the launch, Ing. Dr. Braimah outlined GWL’s vision of becoming a “world-class utility” and noted the urgent need for modernization to keep pace with rapid technological advancements in water management.
“Today marks an important milestone as we embrace new technologies to reduce water losses in our networks, a step essential to improving our service and meeting the demands of our customers,” he said.
Water loss remains a pressing issue for Ghana’s urban water systems. Currently, nearly 48% of all water produced by GWL is lost before it reaches consumers due to pipeline leaks, unreported or “background” leaks, and other issues within the infrastructure.
To combat these losses, GWL has invested in advanced tools and is transitioning from mechanical to smart water meters, enabling more accurate remote readings and detailed data analysis.
Through collaboration with Danish engineers and specialists from Aarhus Vand, the Leak Detection Field was designed to train GWL personnel at all levels on precise, effective methods to identify and resolve leaks.
This initiative is part of a larger framework supported by Denmark to develop asset management strategies and improve water loss reduction across Ghana.
The project also includes training sessions in Denmark for GWL staff and pilot programs in Tema to test and implement best practices in water loss prevention.
“The Leak Detection Field will serve as a critical training ground where our staff will learn to detect and locate leaks with precision,”
Dr. Braimah explained highlighting the importance of addressing both visible leaks and unreported background leaks that significantly impact water availability, network pressure, and financial performance.
In his remarks, Dr. Braimah extended his gratitude to Denmark for their ongoing support, as well as to other partners such as the World Bank, PURC, and the Water Worx Project, who have contributed to various aspects of GWL’s efforts to improve Ghana’s water infrastructure.
He also acknowledged the role of the public and the media in supporting GWL’s drive towards world-class service.
The new Leak Detection Field signals a major step forward in GWL’s commitment to efficient water management and sustainable urban supply, leveraging advanced technology to improve infrastructure resilience and enhance the quality of water delivery across the country.
Denmark is furthering its commitment to sustainable water management in Ghana through a new partnership aimed at combating water loss and promoting safe drinking water.
Representatives from the Danish utility Aarhus Vand highlighted Denmark’s longstanding dedication to international development, including a robust strategy to expand collaborations with African countries.
Aarhus Vand, recognized globally for its expertise in minimizing non-revenue water (NRW), reported a water loss rate as low as 4.6% in the city of Aarhus—a benchmark in the industry.
Denmark’s advanced leak detection technology and training are being shared with GWL, who now has a similar leak detection field in Ghana for training personnel on reducing water losses in urban areas.
The newly established Ghanaian facility mirrors Aarhus Vand’s own leak detection field in Denmark, inaugurated just three months ago, enabling ongoing cross-training and technical knowledge-sharing between the two countries.
During the event, Danish officials emphasized the two-way benefits of this partnership.
"While Aarhus Vand provides expertise in water loss management, Denmark also recognizes the valuable insights Ghana offers, especially in navigating technical and political challenges in water utility,” a representative stated.
The project is part of Denmark’s recently launched Africa Strategy, which seeks to establish equal partnerships across the continent, prioritizing areas like trade, investment, climate adaptation, and cultural exchange.
A significant new initiative under this strategy involves a 100 million DKK (USD 15 million) project in northern Ghana, in collaboration with UNICEF and GWL, focused on enhancing access to safe drinking water and promoting energy efficiency in water-scarce areas.
Denmark is also investing in educational exchanges with Ghana, with over 30 Ghanaian civil servants set to receive fully funded scholarships for a two-year master’s program in Denmark.
The first cohort of six students has already begun their studies, marking a substantial commitment to people-to-people connections between the nations.
Denmark's ongoing contributions to development aid underscore its commitment to global sustainable development.
Annually, the country allocates DKK 16 billion toward international development, adhering to the UN’s recommended minimum of 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) for aid.
Only a few countries meet this threshold, a reflection of Denmark’s dedication to promoting lasting, impactful change around the world.
With water management as a critical priority in this agenda, Denmark’s partnership with Ghana continues to strengthen, aiming to improve both nations’ capacities to tackle water challenges and foster sustainable growth.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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