On Wednesday, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Ghana commended the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) for its enduring commitment to organizing the MOLE conference, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Mrs. Vida Duti, the IRC Country Director, emphasized the vital role that the MOLE Conference plays in promoting the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector in Ghana. She acknowledged the significant contributions of CONIWAS in advancing the sector’s agenda and reiterated IRC Ghana’s commitment to supporting the coalition in its endeavors. The remarks were made during a side event at the MOLEXXXV conference, which is backed by various stakeholders including the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, UNICEF, and the GAMA/GKMA Sanitation and Water Project.
The MOLE conference is centered on the theme, “Looking Back on SDG 6 Implementation in Ghana: Progress, Challenges, and Ways Forward,” and addresses four key thematic areas: institutional alignments, policies, strategies, and methods related to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6). Mrs. Duti highlighted the IRC’s essential role in complementing government efforts to deliver WASH services, especially to remote and underserved communities. She emphasized IRC Ghana’s commitment to bolstering systems and structures that can sustainably advance WASH services throughout the nation.
In an interview with M-CODe, Mrs. Duti stressed the significance of access to water and sanitation, describing it as a fundamental gateway to justice and opportunity. She advocated for addressing the root causes of WASH issues and providing sustainable solutions rather than temporary aids. This commitment to deep and meaningful interventions is driven by over fifty years of experience in the sector. The IRC focuses on creating resilient systems comprising people, institutions, and resources to ensure the delivery of safe water and sanitation services. Their mission is anchored in working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government bodies, utilities, private sectors, NGOs, and local communities, to foster collective action and long-term, impactful changes.
Moreover, the MOLEXXXV conference features a WASH sector stakeholder exhibition, inaugurated by Ms. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources. The exhibition serves as a platform for organizations and service providers to showcase their products and engage with participants during the conference. The involvement of diverse stakeholders, including the GAMA/GKMA Sanitation and Water Project, WaterAid, and others, underlines the collaborative spirit vital for achieving WASH goals. Ms. Alhassan encouraged sector players to work together effectively, maximizing their combined resources and expertise.
CONIWAS Chairperson, Ms. Beata Awinpoka Akanyani, reflected on the increasing global recognition of the importance of WASH services in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Mole WASH Conference is a vital annual gathering aimed at uniting practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders in sharing insights and innovations to advance the WASH sector. The ongoing MOLEXXXV Conference, taking place from October 6th to 11th, 2024, in Ho, Volta Region, exemplifies a critical moment for stakeholders to reflect on past implementations of SDG6 and strategize for future progress.
In summary, the collaborative efforts at the MOLEXXXV conference underscore the proactive approach of various stakeholders, including IRC Ghana and CONIWAS, in addressing challenges within the WASH sector. The conference not only celebrates a long-standing tradition but also emphasizes the need for continued commitment and collaboration to tackle the complexities in providing water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Ghana. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that effective partnerships play in fulfilling the objectives of SDG6 and ensuring a sustainable future for the communities in need. Through shared knowledge and collaborative strategies, the participants aim to pave the way for innovations that will enhance the delivery of WASH services while creating a safer, healthier environment for all Ghanaians.
