GWCL MD earns global climate smart honour

The Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Hon. Mutawakil Adam, successfully led the company to international recognition at the 2025 Climate Smart Utilities (CSU) Recognition Programme organized by the International Water Association (IWA).

The recognition was awarded in acknowledgment of GWCL’s outstanding participation and submission in the highly competitive programme, highlighting the company’s commitment to climate-responsive water management.

Hon. Mutawakil Adam, together with his Deputy Managing Director and a team of senior officials, traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, to participate in the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition, which took place from December 8 to 12, 2025. The Congress brought together water and sanitation utilities from across the globe to share practical solutions, technical innovations, and strategies for building climate-resilient water systems. GWCL was presented with a certificate, formally recognizing its efforts and standing among the international utility community.

Speaking on the recognition, Hon. Mutawakil Adam said, “This award is a testament to the hard work of our team and Ghana Water’s commitment to climate-smart operations. It shows that even in resource-constrained environments, we can implement sustainable solutions that contribute to global climate action.”

The 2025 edition of the Climate Smart Utilities programme focused particularly on low- and middle-income countries, emphasizing the critical role of water and sanitation utilities operating in climate-vulnerable and resource-constrained environments. The initiative sought to highlight the actions taken by utilities to adapt to climate change, mitigate its impacts, and demonstrate leadership within the sector.

The application process for the programme closed in October 2025, attracting 48 applications from 25 countries worldwide. The submissions reflected a diverse range of utilities facing both common and context-specific challenges, demonstrating the broad outreach and inclusivity of the initiative. Following a comprehensive evaluation process by a seven-member international jury, 18 utilities were recognized as Climate Smart Utilities, representing exemplary climate actions and innovative approaches in their respective contexts. Three utilities were further distinguished as outstanding for their ambitious and inspiring local initiatives.

Under the leadership of Hon. Mutawakil Adam, GWCL joined this distinguished group of utilities, positioning Ghana’s leading water service provider on the global stage. The recognition also provided an opportunity for GWCL to engage directly with international peers at the Utility Leaders Forum, deliver technical presentations, exchange best practices, and discuss strategies for navigating the complex challenges facing water utilities in the era of climate change.

The award underscores GWCL’s commitment to sustainability, resilience, and innovation in water service delivery. It also highlights the company’s dedication to supporting Ghana’s broader climate adaptation and mitigation goals, demonstrating leadership not only nationally but also within the international water and sanitation sector.