President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has signed a historic Presidential Compact on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
This groundbreaking initiative underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens, particularly those in hard-to-reach communities.
“The journey on which we are embarking is built on the fundamental truth that without WASH services, sustainable development will remain an elusive dream,” President Akufo-Addo remarked during the signing ceremony.
“This Compact represents not the start, but the continuation and amplification of our efforts; a decisive step to ensure that every citizen, irrespective of their location or circumstance, enjoys sustainable access to these vital services.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The Presidential Compact on WASH, the third of its kind in Africa, represents a significant stride in Ghana’s efforts to meet its sustainable development goals. The Compact commits the government to allocate an estimated US$1.7 billion annually to WASH initiatives until 2030.
This substantial investment is designed to ensure that WASH services are accessible across the nation, particularly in schools, healthcare facilities, and remote communities where such resources are often scarce.
The significance of this Compact extends beyond its immediate goals, symbolizing a deeper commitment by the Ghanaian government to create a healthier, more resilient nation. By focusing on WASH, the government acknowledges the essential role these services play in the broader context of national development.
“This Compact is not just about Ghana; it’s about setting a precedent for the rest of the world.
“We hope that our actions today will inspire other nations to take similar bold steps in ensuring that all their citizens have access to these essential services.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
Strategic Framework for Action
The Compact’s framework includes the establishment of a National Sanitation Authority, a crucial step toward the government’s ambitious goal of eliminating open defecation by 2030.
The new authority will coordinate nationwide efforts to improve sanitation infrastructure, promote hygiene practices, and educate the public on the importance of maintaining clean environments.
Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Ghana’s Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, emphasized the importance of this initiative.
“The Compact, signed by the President of the Republic, shows how serious we as a country take WASH issues. It is a testament to our dedication to improving the lives of all Ghanaians, especially those in underserved areas.”
Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources
The Compact also aligns with Ghana’s national climate strategy, incorporating plans to build climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure. As the country faces the increasing threats of droughts and floods due to climate change, these initiatives will ensure that WASH services remain reliable and accessible, even in the most challenging conditions.
According to Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the development of the Presidential Compact was the result of an extensive consultation process involving government agencies, development partners, the academic community, and local civil society organizations.
This collaborative approach ensured that the Compact reflects a wide range of perspectives and expertise, making it a robust and inclusive strategy for achieving its ambitious goals.
The Minister noted that the Compact is supported under the Heads of State Initiatives by a coalition of international partners, including the Government of the Netherlands, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UNICEF, the Sanitation and Water for All partnership, and IRC WASH.
These organizations will play a crucial advisory role in the Compact’s implementation, providing technical expertise and coordinated advocacy to help Ghana achieve its WASH objectives.
Ghana’s Presidential Compact on WASH sets a powerful example for other nations in the global quest for universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. As one of the few African countries to take such a decisive step, Ghana is poised to lead the continent in the fight against waterborne diseases and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.
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