Ghana Water Limited (GWL) says it will introduce a water rationing programme for parts of Tema, Ashaiman and Kpone-Katamanso within the next one to two weeks, dividing the affected areas into three zones to manage persistent supply shortages in the eastern corridor of the Greater Accra Region.
GWL Communications Manager Stanley Martey disclosed the plan during a tour of affected communities, in remarks reported on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The utility says the schedule, which it also calls a water demand management programme, is meant to help residents know in advance which days they will receive water so they can store enough before supply periods.
No distribution days have been published yet. GWL says each area will be told its supply days once the programme is finalised.
GWL water rationing to cover three zones
According to Mr Martey, the affected areas will be grouped into three zones to allow more coordinated distribution of the limited water available.
“In about a week or two, we should be able to finalise the programme and communicate it to the affected communities,” he said.
He added: “For now, we are working to improve the supply.”
Areas affected by the Tema and Ashaiman water shortage
The rationing programme targets communities that have reported long-running shortages. These include:
- Parts of Kpone-Katamanso
- Tema East
- Tema West
- Ashaiman
- Other surrounding communities yet to be named by GWL
Earlier this month, GWL also listed Golf City, Gbetsile, Community 24, Community 25 and Prampram among the areas hit hardest by the shortages.
Why Tema and Ashaiman are facing water shortages
GWL has admitted that demand in the area is higher than the water it can currently supply.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on October 7, Mr Martey said between 40 and 50 per cent of water was being lost between the Kpong pumping station and the Tema booster station because of weak and perforated sections of the transmission line.
Accra is supplied from three main sources: the Weija and Kpong treatment plants and the Teshie desalination plant. The Teshie plant developed problems last year and was shut down, with repairs still ongoing.
To keep Teshie and nearby areas supplied, GWL re-engineered its network to serve them from the Kpong treatment plant, putting extra pressure on the system.
GWL’s GH¢6 million pipeline repair and current supply
GWL says it has spent nearly GH¢6 million replacing weak and perforated sections of the Kpong–Tema transmission lines.
More water is now reaching the Tema system, but low pressure remains a problem that technicians are still working to fix. Engineers have also carried out re-engineering works in some communities to improve flow.
Key figures so far:
- Zones planned: 3
- Timeline to finalise rationing schedule: about 1–2 weeks
- Water lost between Kpong and Tema (before repairs): 40–50 per cent
- Spent on transmission line repairs: nearly GH¢6 million
- GWL’s minimum supply target: at least twice a week per household
- Main Accra supply sources: 3 (Weija, Kpong, Teshie desalination)
The water crisis comes as the utility faces wider financial pressure. GhanaTrends earlier reported that Ghana Water posted a GH¢3.06bn shortfall with liabilities of GH¢14.4bn, prompting Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to summon the Minister and Managing Director.
What the water rationing means for Tema and Ashaiman residents
Once the schedule is out, households in each zone should know which days water will flow, making it easier to plan storage.
GWL says that with careful management, households can still receive water at least twice a week, though some areas currently get water more often depending on their position on the network.
Mr Martey has apologised to affected residents and urged them to store water and remain patient while the problems are resolved.
“I want to assure the public that we wouldn’t sit aloof and do nothing about the situation,” he said.
What happens next
GWL is expected to publish the full zoning and supply schedule within one to two weeks and communicate it directly to affected communities.
In the meantime, the company says teams are on the ground daily and pressure is monitored hourly while work continues on low pressure and on repairs to the Teshie desalination plant. Updates are expected through Ghana Water Limited’s official channels.
Key details at a glance
- GWL will introduce water rationing in parts of Tema, Ashaiman and Kpone-Katamanso.
- The affected areas will be divided into three supply zones.
- The schedule is expected to be finalised in about one to two weeks.
- Communications Manager Stanley Martey disclosed the plan in remarks reported on October 20, 2026.
- Up to 50 per cent of water was being lost on the Kpong–Tema line before repairs.
- GWL has spent nearly GH¢6 million on transmission line repairs.
- The Teshie desalination plant remains shut for repairs.
FAQs
When will Ghana Water start water rationing in Tema and Ashaiman?
GWL says it expects to finalise the rationing programme in about one to two weeks from October 20, 2026, and will then announce supply days for each area.
Which areas are affected by the GWL water rationing?
Parts of Kpone-Katamanso, Tema East, Tema West, Ashaiman and some surrounding communities, which will be grouped into three zones.
Why is there no water in Tema and Ashaiman?
GWL blames demand exceeding supply, heavy losses on weak sections of the Kpong–Tema transmission line, low pressure and the shutdown of the Teshie desalination plant.
In summary, Ghana Water Limited is preparing a three-zone rationing schedule for Tema, Ashaiman and Kpone-Katamanso, expected within two weeks, as it works to fix low pressure and transmission losses that have left many households without regular water supply.
