The Asutifi North District Assembly recently welcomed WaterAid as the latest partner in the Asutifi North Ahonidie Mpuntuo (ANAM) WASH Initiative. Launched in 2017, this initiative aims to ensure that the current 84,420 individuals within thedistrict have access to safe water, basic sanitation, and hygiene services, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Since 1985 WaterAid, an NGO, has had a presence in Ghana. It focuses on promoting WASH services by advocating for investment, conducting policy research, engaging in lobbying efforts, and collaborating with other stakeholders to strengthen national and local WASH systems.
During a meeting with stakeholders, the District Chief Executive, the Honorable Anthony Mensah, expressed his appreciation for the new partnership, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in achieving their WASH goals. He stated, "cleanliness is next to godliness and so it is only right to get more partners on board to help achieve our goal in time."
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has provided a grant of USD 234,000 to fund WaterAid's WASH inHealthcare Facilities (HCFs) Project in Asutifi North and Wassa East districts for 12 months. The project aims to ensure a robust response, develop the evidence base for policy advocacy work, mobilize civil and social accountability, policy maker capacity to fulfill responsibilities, and global engagement.
George Yorke, Head of Policy, Advocacy, and Campaigns for WaterAid, clarified that the project would not construct WASH facilities, as the donor's interest is not in WaterAid building facilities. Instead, WaterAid will work with other NGOs to study the progress of existing efforts, find gaps, and help to close them.
District stakeholders, including traditional authorities, Civil Society Organizations, District Assembly staff, Youth groups, Health directorate staff, and Assembly members, expressed their gratitude to Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for their continuous efforts to assist the district in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, pledging their total collaboration and support for WaterAid's Healthcare Facilities’ WASH project.