Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has formally endorsed a presidential compact on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Signed late Wednesday, the compact signifies a robust commitment to allocating $1.7 billion annually, aimed at achieving universal access to WASH services by 2030.
This landmark initiative, which emerged following comprehensive consultations with government agencies, development partners, academic experts, and civil society organisations, underscores Ghana’s dedication to enhancing public health, bolstering climate resilience, and extending essential services to the nation’s most remote and underserved communities.
President Akufo-Addo, articulating the significance of this initiative, declared, “The journey we are embarking on is based on the fundamental truth that without WASH services, sustainable development will remain an elusive dream.” His pronouncement reflects a broader vision that aligns WASH services with the nation’s strategic objectives of sustainable development and public welfare.
The compact delineates an ambitious plan that will see the substantial annual investment sustained through 2030, focusing on the provision of WASH services to schools, healthcare facilities, and remote areas. Notably, it also entails the establishment of a National Sanitation Authority, tasked with the formidable goal of eliminating open defecation by 2030, constructing climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, and addressing pressing environmental challenges, including flooding and drought.
This initiative is poised to transform the lives of millions of Ghanaians, ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of their geographical location, has access to reliable and sustainable WASH services. It is a testament to Ghana’s resolve to confront the challenges of climate change head-on while promoting health and well-being across the nation.
As Ghana moves forward with this comprehensive WASH strategy, the country sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar public health and environmental challenges, reaffirming the centrality of water, sanitation, and hygiene in the global pursuit of sustainable development.
