Professor Simon Mariwah from the Department of Geography and Regional Planning has advocated for the establishment of a National Sanitation Authority (NSA) in Ghana to enhance the coordination and implementation of sanitation policies and interventions. At the recent MOLEXXXV conference, he highlighted the inadequacies in Ghana’s sanitation sector compared to other sectors like health and water, which have well-defined institutional frameworks and bodies for oversight and action. His call stems from a recognition that sanitation often receives less attention, despite its critical importance to public health and well-being. The conference, organized by the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS), focused on the progress, challenges, and future directions of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which pertains to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
In discussing the issues within the sanitation sector, Prof. Mariwah criticized the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) for its disproportionate focus on water at the expense of sanitation. He pointed out that the current institutional framework is ill-equipped to effectively deliver Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services. Mariwah expressed that effective interventions require a clear separation of rural sanitation services from CWSA’s responsibilities to achieve better focus and outcomes in sanitation. He underlined the detrimental link between poor sanitation and water pollution, a relationship that has been largely overlooked in institutional priorities and planning.
Historically, Ghana’s investment in water infrastructure was primarily aimed at improving public health, as high rates of waterborne diseases were prevalent. Prof. Mariwah emphasized that in the 1960s and 70s, the belief was strong that better water quality could significantly reduce hospital cases attributed to water contamination. However, today’s institutional arrangements do not adequately address the interrelated challenges of water and sanitation, as they remain tightly constrained within their respective sectors. He argues that a reformed institutional structure is essential for improving WASH service delivery, advocating for stronger institutional frameworks that enhance intersectoral cooperation, resource mobilization, capacity building, and community involvement.
Ms. Beata Awinpoka Akanyani, Chairperson of CONIWAS, further underscored the significance of the WASH sector in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting its profound impact on public health, economic progress, education, social equality, and environmental protection. Akanyani’s remarks highlight the interconnectedness of WASH services with various aspects of human development and the critical need for comprehensive approaches to ensure equitable access to these essential services. The emphasis on the broader implications of WASH services reiterates the urgency of improving sanitation systems across Ghana, especially in rural areas where infrastructure may be lacking.
The MOLEXXXV conference constituted a collaborative platform where representatives from various organizations showcased their efforts in the WASH sector. Participants included NGOs, governmental bodies, and industry leaders, including World Vision Ghana, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and others, all of whom contributed to the exhibition highlighting advancements and challenges in water and sanitation initiatives. The conference was opened under the leadership of Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, a prominent regional chief, who set the tone for the discussions by emphasizing the importance of sanitation in community health and development.
Overall, the MOLEXXXV conference served as a convergence point for multiple stakeholders in the WASH sector, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to tackle Ghana’s sanitation challenges. It provided an opportunity for dialogue on past efforts and future strategies, focusing primarily on institutional realignment and policy coherence. By advocating for the establishment of a National Sanitation Authority and enhancing the focus on sanitation, participants underscored a commitment to addressing the existing gaps and fostering a healthier environment for all Ghanaian citizens. The next steps identified at the conference call for actionable frameworks that address the urgent sanitation needs and enhance public health outcomes, promoting sustainable development across the country.
