– urges for quicker measures to engage each individual
By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
WaterAid Ghana has celebrated its 40th anniversary, looking back on four decades of efforts in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) field while outlining a courageous approach to tackle ongoing challenges.
The event in Accra gathered government representatives, development allies, tribal leaders, and local authorities, who praised the organization's accomplishments and explored long-term strategies for the future.
The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Ahmed Ibrahim, praised WaterAid's guidance and its significant impact on providing water access in rural areas.
Leaders arise to address issues, and WaterAid has been a pioneer in the WASH field, venturing where others have not," he stated. "When individuals in isolated regions talk about the difficulties related to water and sanitation, you start to understand the magnitude of the issue. Their hardships extend well beyond what can be easily seen or expressed.
The Country Director of WaterAid Ghana, Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur, highlighted that since its founding in 1985, the NGO has provided fair and long-lasting WASH services to countless Ghanaians. She mentioned that the organization has directly provided clean water to over 1.3 million individuals, improved sanitation for 529,000 people, and offered hygiene education to 1.1 million others.
Although there has been advancement, she pointed out the significant inequalities that still exist. "Nearly three-quarters of the population do not have access to a proper toilet, and over half lack the ability to wash their hands at home. Our 40th anniversary represents a tale of strength, but also serves as a reminder to take action. Over the next 40 years, we hope to achieve change and speed up our efforts."
Madam Yanyi-Akofur emphasized the importance of redefining the government's function, promoting community-driven partnerships, and enabling local populations to oversee initiatives for lasting impact.
The Executive Director of International Programmes at WaterAid UK, Amaka Godfrey, noted that Ghana was one of the organization's initial locations in West Africa and is now among 32 countries where they operate. She referenced studies indicating that just 40 percent of WASH facilities in Ghana continue to function after five years, highlighting the importance of reevaluating sustainability efforts.
During WaterAid's 40th anniversary, she stated, we are spearheading an important conversation about constructing water supply systems that last.
The Regional Director of WaterAid West Africa, Abdul Nashiru Mohammed, presented a three-part strategy for the future: "First, we need to aim high in terms of scalability. Second, we must acknowledge that many are still not being reached — every child deserves a secure beginning. Third, we need to take immediate action. With just five years remaining until the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline, we can't afford to be slow. The opportunities in Ghana are significant."
In line with its 2023–2028 national strategy, WaterAid Ghana is currently concentrating on attaining full WASH access in the Bongo District as a country example, incorporating WASH into medical care frameworks, and providing services that are resistant to climate change.
"Alongside our partners, we are dedicated to making sure that every Ghanaian, no matter where they are, can access their basic human rights of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene," concluded Miss Yanyi-Akofur.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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