Works, Housing and Water Resources Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, at the launch in Accra, of World Vision Ghana’s (WVG) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Business Plan (WASH) for 2026 to 2030 and Universal WASH Coverage, has emphasised the need to strengthen water systems as the foundation to transform communities.
The launch was held on theme “Mapping the Blue Thread”, and the Minister stressed that strong water systems were a foundation for transformation that wove into health, education and livelihoods.
At the launch, WVG, the Ghana Chapter of the international Christian and child focused humanitarian organisation World Vision International, announced an investment of $51.7 million to develop and expand Ghana’s WASH sector to reach an additional 743,000 children and their families with WASH services and sustainable solutions.
The plan is to be implemented in 23 administrative districts across the Upper West Region, Upper East Region, Savannah Region, Northern Region, Ahafo Region, Oti Region, Eastern Region, Ashanti Region, Central Region, Volta Region, and Western North Region.
The launch marked a bold step towards transforming access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services across Ghana.
The WVG’s new WASH business plan aims at expanding and maintaining reliable water supply infrastructure in underserved areas, leveraging innovations like solar-powered mechanised water systems.
It would also promote sanitation and hygiene behaviour change campaigns to ensure the long-term effectiveness of infrastructure projects, build local capacity to manage and sustain WASH facilities, fostering community ownership and strengthening accountability and inclusion in WASH programming.
The launch was attended by Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, development partners, non-government organisations (NGO’s) in the WASH sector, among others.
Mr Adjei described the plan as a vision that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6), clean water and sanitation for all and the developmental aspirations of the government.
He said the plan goes beyond providing safe water for all and is a guiding vision to ensure that water is woven into health, education and livelihoods.
He explained that while national access to basic water has risen to an estimated 90% and basic sanitation to 32%, climate change and illegal mining (“galamsey”) continue to threaten water sources.
Mr Adjei said: “What matters now is our collective effort to ensure access to safe, reliable, and affordable water services for all communities.”
He urged all stakeholders to focus on effective service delivery and collaboration.
He added:” It also serves as a reminder that water is a connecting force and so by strengthening water systems, the foundation for transformation throughout our communities is laid.
“I view this plan as more than a provision of safe water for all. It is a guiding vision to ensure that water, is woven into the very fabric of health, education, and livelihoods. It serves as a powerful reminder that water is a connecting force, and by strengthening an integrated water system, we lay the foundation for transformation throughout our communities.”
The Minister gave an assurance that the Ministry was committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to secure safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for every community, with a reminder that water is essential for life; and that access to clean water promotes health, dignity and hope.
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister Rita Naa Odoley Sowah on behalf of Sector Minister Ahmed Ibrahim, was grateful development partners and NGOs for their partnership, noting their contributions have driven Ghana’s WASH progress.
“The collaboration we’ve seen so far has been remarkable, and we pledge the government’s continued support to meet the targets set out in this business plan,” she added.
WVG National Director Tinah Mukunda stated at the launch that the renewed commitment forms part of a broader, accelerated effort to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) by 2030.
She said: “The SDG Goal 6 talks about the “Availability and Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation for All”. It is an ambitious aspirational goal and coined to reach everyone everywhere with safe water and sanitation services by 2030.”
She added: “What we are doing here today is an important milestone in the journey towards reaching everyone, everywhere in our operational areas with sustainable WASH services.
“We have come together to appreciate this important initiative and share our joint commitment to the implementation.”
Dr Mukunda emphasised the need for stakeholders to collaborate, saying, “Universal access means that everyone, everywhere across our project implementation areas will have access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.”
The WVG National Director, referring to the Population and Household Survey of 2021 said sustainable WASH service remains a significant challenge in Ghana as she said the survey indicated that access to basic water service for Ghana stood at 87.7%, the access to improved household toilets for exclusive use was far less at 25.3% with nearly 18% of households in Ghana practicing open defecation.
“The sanitation situation requires more effort that transforms the current situation,” Dr Mukunda said, adding, “together, we are weaving the blue thread that connects health, education, and economic empowerment.
“The journey to universal coverage begins now, and we invite all stakeholders to stay engaged as we turn this vision into reality.”
Source: GNA
The post World Vision Ghana invests $51.7mn into WASH for 2026-2030 appeared first on Ghana Business News.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS