A step towards making universal access to WASH for all a reality
Media Release
Published on: 08/06/2023
Accra – 8 June 2023, Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) and its strategic partners acknowledge Government of Ghana's commitment to a presidential compact to make universal access to WASH for all Ghanaians a reality.
The compact seeks to enhance political prioritisation and commitment; link policies to plans, programmes and projects; improve investments to meet priority challenges; strengthen ownership and leadership; and achieve good governance and accountability.
The compact was one of five announced by African Heads of State at the UN Water Conference in New York on 22 March 2023 and further discussed at the All Systems Connect International Symposium in The Hague in May 2023. The compacts will accelerate access to water and sanitation services, including increasing budget allocations, reducing open defecation, and delivering climate resilient services.
The acknowledgement was expressed at the CSOs policy dialogue with the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources following the Minister's appearance at the two international conferences in March and May 2023, along with other ministerial delegations from Africa and beyond.
Briefing the CSO team at the dialogue session, the Minister said:
"We had the opportunity to announce and discuss the Ghana Presidential Compact for WASH in New York and in The Hague. The compact will be anchored at the Presidential Level to bolster government's leadership and commitment. It will include pushing through two pieces of legislation which will establish a National Sanitation Fund and convert the Community Water and Sanitation Agency from a facilitator to a rural water utility to bring in the needed efficiency; along with other actions including enhancing private sector participation in water supply services and establishing a fund for households to install their own toilets. A team is working on the compact and the CSOs will be represented. The reviewed water policy is also ready, but we are connecting with other related ministries for inputs to enable us bring finality to the document."
On behalf of the CSOs, the Executive Secretary of CONIWAS, Basilia Nanbigne said:
"We commend the sector ministry and the government for committing to the Presidential Compact to make universal access to WASH for all Ghanaians a reality. We are glad that the national sanitation authority and the rural sub-sector reforms are some of the issues to be highlighted. These are significant steps, and we are happy to work with your team in developing the compact. We also applaud the ministry for the leadership in reviewing the water policy and developing the sustainable WASH development Framework: Ghana WASH sector development programme. We wish to call for the launch and roll-out of the water policy and the start of the process of reviewing the environmental sanitation policy."
The CSOs policy dialogue with the sector minister was to discuss the commitments and intentions expressed at the international events and to agree on the expected role of CSOs and other strategic partners in supporting the plan. The policy dialogue was co-convened by CONIWAS, IRC Ghana and partners.
About CONIWAS
Coalition of NGOs in water and sanitation (CONIWAS) is an umbrella Civil Society Organization established to contribute to water resource management and sustainable provision of water and sanitation and hygiene service promotion in Ghana. Dedicated to ensuring potable water supply and improved sanitation integrated with hygiene promotion is available in right quantity and right time to the citizens of the country, especially the poor and marginalized people in society. CONIWAS works in partnership with sector players to influence policies, remove barriers and promote access to portable water, sanitation and improved hygiene for all especially the poor and vulnerable.
About IRC
IRC is a catalyst of change, working in every corner of water, sanitation, and hygiene to build and strengthen systems that transform lives. With its partners, the organisation uses its expertise to deliver water and sanitation systems in eight countries and 31 districts and municipalities. IRC works with local and national governments, businesses, and civil society, and with international partners around the world to promote systems thinking and service delivery. Its international team is made up of over 120 recognised water, sanitation, and hygiene system specialists and dedicated field staff, based in its focus countries, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Mali, Niger and Uganda, and additional offices in the Netherlands and the United States. www.ircwash.org.
About the Presidential Compacts
https://www.ircwash.org/news/un-water-conference-african-heads-state-announce-presi
About the UN Water Conference
https://www.unwater.org/news/un-2023-water-conference
About All Systems Connect 2023
https://www.allsystemsconnect2023.org/communique
CONIWAS
Basilia Nanbigne | Executive Secretary | 0244595664 | bnanbigne@gmail.com
IRC Ghana
Abubakari Wumbei | Communication Learning and Advocacy Coordinator | 0202110335 | wumbei@ircwash.org
