Source: Sanitation & Health Desk
Accra, Ghana – January 8, 2025
WaterAid Ghana has congratulated President John Dramani Mahama on his election victory and inauguration, while emphasizing the need to prioritize water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in Ghana.
In an open letter to the President, WaterAid Ghana has highlighted the disparities in access to WASH services, particularly in rural areas.
According to the Ghana Statistical Service’s 2021 report, 87.7% of Ghanaians have access to basic water services, but only 23.5% have access to basic sanitation services.
The organization urged the President to address the severe consequences of limited WASH access, including compromised healthcare, limited economic opportunities, and increased mortality rates.
Key areas of concern highlighted by WaterAid Ghana include:
Safe Birth and Healthcare: Many healthcare facilities in rural Ghana lack access to safe WASH, putting patients’ lives at risk. This can lead to increased maternal and infant mortality rates, as well as the spread of diseases.
Improved Sanitation: Approximately 7 in 10 Ghanaians lack improved sanitation facilities, leading to severe public health consequences. This can result in the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever.
Climate Change Resilience: Ghana’s WASH services need sustainable adaptation measures to withstand the effects of climate change. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting water conservation practices.
To address these challenges, WaterAid Ghana recommends:
Sustainable Funding: Allocate US $1.7 million annually to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). This funding will support the development of climate-resilient WASH infrastructure and promote hygiene practices.
Unified WASH Directorate: Place WASH directorates under one ministry, preferably the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources. This will streamline coordination and improve the effectiveness of WASH services.
By prioritizing WASH services, the organization believes that millions of Ghanaian lives can be transformed, and the country can make significant strides in achieving sustainable development goals.
WaterAid Ghana is committed to supporting the government in achieving universal access to WASH services. The organization looks forward to working closely with the President and his administration to address the WASH challenges facing Ghana.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
