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The Coalition of NGOs in the Water and Sanitation Sector (CONIWAS) has urged all political parties to incorporate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policies in their budget planing and to allocate adequate funds for the implementation of quality WASH facilities.
The Coalition said this was in line with the Sustainable Development Goals six for everyone to have access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.
During a dissemination and media engagement on CONIWAS'S WASH manifesto, the Coalition highlighted Ghana's challenges in achieving SDG 6, emphasising disparities in water and sanitation access. It called for policies to enhance WASH access in healthcare, education, and communities, linking it to economic growth and public health.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Basilia Nanbigne Executive Secretary of CONIWAS, said 87.7 per cent of the Ghanaian population had access to basic water services while sanitation was at 25.3 per cent with widespread open defecation.
Therefore, it was important for any ruling party to make WASH a policy priority at all levels, and develop and implement effective WASH policies to ensure that Ghanaians have access to clean water.
She said political parties must secure consistent funding for WASH, promote monitoring and accountability frameworks, and advocate as WASH ambassadors.
The Executive Secretary said in ensuring the effectiveness of government's role in the WASH sector, the Coalition would deploy targeted institutional alignment, monitoring, and evaluation to promoting WASH to development.
Mrs Esi BoninMorkla, Senior Environmental Health Analyst, Ministry or Sanitation and Water Resources, also called for prioritisation of WASH for schools, agriculture and health centres for the country's growth.
She said it was essential for stakeholders to fight for WASH facilities across the country to achieve the SDGs before 2030.
The manifesto of CONIWAS on WASH seeks commitments from leaders to ensure equitable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
It stressed that WASH was not a privilege but a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for Ghana's sustainable development.
Stakeholders, civil society organisations and nongovernmental organisations present at the event expressed concern over the issues and lauded CONIWAS for efforts to tackle water and sanitation in the country.
