In a shocking discovery during a routine road inspection on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, officials of the Ada West District Assembly uncovered a massive
illegal water diversion scheme in Afiadenyigbah.
Local farmers have allegedly been tapping into the main community water lines, redirecting potable water meant for households into private dams to irrigate large-scale commercial farms.
The "Potable for Irrigation" Scheme
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Mordjifa Tanihu Jerry John Foreigner Mills-Nkrumah, uncovered the operation while inspecting projects under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
How the Diversion Worked:
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The Tap: Large water pipes were illegally disconnected from the main supply lines managed by the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA).
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The Storage: The water was channeled into private man-made dams.
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The Distribution: High-capacity pumping machines were used to move the water from the dams to surrounding farmlands.
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The Black Market: Anonymous sources claim a "water cartel" was charging other farmers fees based on their farm size to access this diverted water.
Impact on Local Communities
The diversion explains the prolonged water interruptions residents in the Ada West District have suffered over the past several months. While communities struggled with dry taps, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed "large stretches of lush farmland" being irrigated by the stolen supply.
Allegations of Collusion
Community members have raised concerns regarding possible collusion between the farmers and officials within the water distribution agency. Residents argue that a diversion of this scale—involving multiple pipes and heavy machinery—could not have gone unnoticed by those monitoring the grid.
Enforcement and Legal Action
The DCE has vowed to prosecute all involved, emphasizing that "even if my own mother is involved, she will face the law."
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Evidence Seized: Two industrial water pumping machines were retrieved from the site.
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Police Action: The Sege Police Command has officially commenced investigations into the matter.
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Infrastructure Repair: District engineers are working to reconnect the severed main lines to restore supply to the affected communities.
The Bottom Line
This incident highlights the growing tension between food security and water security in the Greater Accra Region. As the 2026 AU Theme focuses on "Sustainable Water Availability," this case in Ada West serves as a stark reminder of the domestic challenges in protecting public utility infrastructure from private sabotage.
