We didn't send him to GWL for nothing - Mahama lauds Adam Mutawakilu

President John Dramani Mahama has lauded the Managing Director (MD) of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, widely known as Garlus, for his sustained efforts in getting the Damongo Water Project underway.

The President made this statement during the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Gonjaland Youth Association in Buipe last weekend.

The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) holds its annual rotational congresses during Easter, where all sons and daughters gather to socialise and share ideas on the direction of the association going forward.

The Association marked its 50th anniversary this year [2026] in Buipe, in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region.

Among the challenges highlighted by the President in his address to the Association was the Damongo Water Project.

He said, “With regards to access to safe water, we know it is a right and not a privilege. I want to thank my younger brother for the very good work he has done; we did not send him to the Ghana Water Company for nothing. He has done all the legwork, and I am happy to announce that just last week, the Minister for Finance signed the commitment letter for the Damongo Water Supply System to start. Garlus, well done, thank you very much.”

This was a moment of joy and relief for the entire Gonjaland, as the Damongo water crisis has been a major concern for all sons and daughters of the land.

Garlus had personally worked hard on the Fufulso-Damongo-Sawla road project between 2010 and 2015, and he is now leading the way toward the actualisation of the Damongo Water Project.

It is indeed refreshing to note that, after more than a decade of severe water shortages in Damongo and its environs, residents can finally heave a sigh of relief following the President’s announcement.

Since assuming office as Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited in January 2025, Adam Mutawakilu Garlus has taken significant steps to put the company in order, introducing major changes in finance, administration, and operations.

Central to his efforts is the upscaling of water capacity in existing systems and the initiation of new water projects. President Mahama’s reset agenda on water focuses on increasing access to potable water in line with Sustainable Development Goal Six (6).

In line with this vision, the Managing Director has been actively addressing water challenges across the country, working to bring new systems online, including the Damongo Water Supply System, the Tamale Water System, and the Yendi Water System.

Mutawakilu has ensured that preliminary works—including all necessary paperwork at both Ghana Water Limited and its parent Ministry, the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, are completed efficiently.

He has personally led these processes with dedication and commitment, briefing the President at every stage to ensure alignment with the national vision.

He successfully secured the signing of the commitment letter authorised by the Minister of Finance on March 31, 2026, signaling the commencement of procurement and preparatory processes for physical works later in the year.

It is in this light that President Mahama openly lauded the efforts of Adam Mutawakilu, at the instance of Buipewura Jinapor II, the Gonjaland Youth Association, other senior government officials, and the entire Gonjaland community.