World Bank Commends Ghana’s Progress in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene The World Bank has lauded Ghana’s remarkable achievements in improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for its citizens. In a recent report, the bank highlighted the country’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to WASH. “Ghana has made commendable progress in expanding access to clean water and sanitation, particularly in rural communities,” said Pierre Laporte, World Bank Country Director for Ghana. “These efforts have contributed to improved health outcomes, reduced poverty, and empowered vulnerable populations.” Key Achievements Ghana has made significant strides in the following areas: * Water access: The proportion of the population with access to improved water sources increased from 78% in 2015 to 88% in 2021. * Sanitation: Access to improved sanitation facilities rose from 21% in 2015 to 46% in 2021. * Hygiene promotion: The country has implemented effective campaigns to raise awareness about hygiene practices, including handwashing and safe water storage. Impact on Health and Well-being The improvements in WASH services have had a transformative impact on the lives of Ghanaians: * Reduced incidence of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea and cholera. * Improved child health and malnutrition rates. * Increased school attendance, particularly for girls. * Enhanced economic productivity and income-generating opportunities. Government’s Commitment Ghana’s government has prioritized WASH as a key development sector and has implemented a comprehensive national WASH strategy. The strategy aims to achieve universal access to WASH services by 2030. Partnerships and Collaboration The World Bank has been a key partner in Ghana’s WASH journey, providing financial support and technical assistance. Other development partners, such as UNICEF, USAID, and the European Union, have also played significant roles. Challenges and Way Forward While Ghana has made impressive progress, there are still challenges to overcome to achieve universal access to WASH services: * Financial constraints: Funding for WASH infrastructure and services remains a challenge. * Climate change: Extreme weather events can affect access to water and sanitation facilities. * Behavioral change: Sustaining good hygiene practices requires ongoing education and community engagement. Ghana is committed to addressing these challenges and continuing its efforts to provide all its citizens with access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. The government’s strong leadership and its continued collaboration with partners will be crucial for achieving this ambitious goal.Ghana’s Revised National Water Policy LaudedGhana’s Revised National Water Policy Lauded Ghana has received recognition for its adoption of an integrated approach to water resource management and its emphasis on addressing climate issues in the revision of its National Water Policy Document. At the launch event held in Accra, World Bank Country Manager Ms. Michelle Keane praised the efforts of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) in improving WASH services and strengthening the institutional framework. She emphasized the importance of water security and its close connection to climate change. The revised policy aligns Ghana with the international agenda on WASH and aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Bank assured its continued support for MSWR’s work in this area. MSWR Minister Ms. Seyram Alhassan stated that the policy represented the ministry’s commitment to sustainable water use. She highlighted the urgency of achieving SDG 6 targets related to access to safe water and sanitation. The minister emphasized that implementing the policy requires a multidimensional approach with the involvement of all stakeholders. The document is intended as a guide to ensure the sustainable and equitable management of water resources in Ghana.Ghana’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Progress Lauded by World Bank The World Bank has commended Ghana’s significant advancements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in recent years. According to the Bank’s latest report, Ghana has made notable strides in improving access to safe water and sanitation services for its citizens. In just five years, access to improved sanitation has increased by 18 percentage points, reaching 65% of the population in 2022. The report highlights the country’s efforts to promote rural water supply and sanitation, particularly through community-led initiatives. These initiatives have empowered communities to take ownership of their water and sanitation facilities, ensuring their sustainability. The World Bank also praises Ghana’s commitment to improving hygiene practices, especially through initiatives such as the National Handwashing Campaign. These programs have significantly reduced diarrheal diseases and improved overall health outcomes. The report further commends Ghana’s innovative approaches to WASH financing, such as the Water Sector Development Fund and the Ghana WASH Window. These mechanisms have mobilized private sector investments and created sustainable funding sources for WASH projects. “Ghana has set a strong example for other countries in Africa and beyond,” said a World Bank representative. “Their achievements demonstrate the power of community engagement, targeted investments, and a comprehensive approach to WASH.” The government of Ghana remains committed to further strengthening its WASH sector and achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030. The country’s efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to improving the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of all Ghanaians.