A summit to boost investment and public-private partnerships for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in 16 districts across the Northern Region of Ghana ended in Accra on Thursday.
The districts are Mion, Daffiama Busie Issa, Sagnarigu, Wa East, Sissala West, Nadowli-Kaleo, Tempane, Bawku West, Garuda, Mamprugu Moagduri, Gushegu, Sissala West, Karaga, East Mamprusi, Yendi and Nanton.
The event, known as the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) WASH Investment Plan Marketing Summit, was organised by World Vision Ghana (WVG).
It is under WVG’s Enhancing WASH Activity project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
It aimed to create a platform for stakeholders to explore cost-effective investments and increase funding for WASH initiatives, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
The summit, which brought together development partners, private sector players, and philanthropists, focused on access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene investment plans developed by the selected MMDAs.
It also provided a platform for discussions on how to ensure sustainable financing and stronger collaborations to improve WASH services nationwide.
The WASH Programme Manager for WVG, Robel Wamisho, said there was an urgent need for more funding to address the persistent challenges in sanitation and access to clean water.
He mentioned that MMDAs required adequate resources to meet these needs, which were critical for the health and well-being of Ghanaians, especially in underserved areas.
“The summit also serves as a marketplace for MMDAs to present their investment plans, demonstrate their commitment, and showcase opportunities to attract potential donors and partners,” Mr Wamisho explained.
Providing an overview on his outfit’s WASH Investment Plan (WIP) document, which was officially launched at the summit, Mr Wamisho indicated that the WIP was a strategic document designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to delivering WASH services in districts across the country.
He noted that the plan outlined a clear roadmap to achieving the targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation for all.
A WASH Technical Specialist for WVG, Mr Yaw Atta Arhin, called for intensified efforts to protect Ghana’s water resources.
He underscored the importance of safeguarding water bodies amidst growing pollution threats, including the impact of illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey” on some communities in the country.
He mentioned that access to clean water was crucial for socio-economic development and public health.
In furtherance of this, Mr Arhin urged the government to “redouble its efforts” in protecting water bodies, adding that strategic investments and stronger enforcement could prevent future water shortages.
He also warned that without immediate action, Ghana could face severe consequences, including the potential need to import water despite having abundant freshwater resources.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU