Participants at the Partners’ meeting
Ahafo regional partners review progress and align strategies for universal water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access by 2030
Published on: 19/05/2025
On 6 May 2025, the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with IRC and with funding support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, convened the Ahafo Regional Integrated WASH Programme Partners' Meeting in Goaso. The purpose of the meeting was to review progress on the implementation of District WASH Masterplans, with a particular focus on Asutifi North and Asunafo South Districts.
The meeting provided a platform for government officials and development partners to share updates on their WASH interventions and explore opportunities for greater synergy in the pursuit of universal WASH access across the region.
District Updates
Asutifi North District reported steady progress towards achieving full WASH coverage by 2030 under the ANAM Initiative. Notable achievements include the construction of over 226 boreholes, the installation of mechanised water systems, and the provision of WASH facilities in schools and health centers. The district has also introduced innovative solutions such as solar-powered systems and prepaid meters. Despite challenges such as funding gaps and maintenance issues, Asutifi North remains committed to expanding services and strengthening oversight mechanisms.
Similarly, Asunafo South District is advancing its WASH agenda through the ASNAN Initiative, launched in 2023. Key milestones include the installation of 18 mechanised boreholes, 14 solar-powered kiosks, and sanitation improvements in public facilities. Over 7,000 residents have joined the WASH advocacy network, and the District Assembly has demonstrated strong financial commitment. While challenges such as low sanitation coverage, waste management, and behavioural resistance persist, the district is focused on scaling successful models and mobilising additional resources for implementation.
Partner Updates
The Integrated WASH Programme Partners, including IRC, World Vision, Aquaya Institute, NetCentric Campaign, Easy Water for Everyone, Project Maji, and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) shared brief updates on their planned interventions for 2025.
IRC presented an overview of the WASH landscape in the Ahafo Region, acknowledging notable progress while also drawing attention to persistent challenges. As part of its 2025 agenda, IRC Ghana outlined three key initiatives: the Technical Assistance to Government to Strengthen Safe Water Policies Project (2025–2027), to be implemented across all six districts of the region; the WASH Services for Communities and Institutions Project (2025–2026), focused on improving WASH services in Tano North; and the Empowers WASH II Project (2025–2026), targeting both Tano North and Asutifi North.
These initiatives, funded respectively by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Africa Water and Sanitation Association, aim to enhance water governance, expand access to safe water and sanitation infrastructure, and strengthen institutional and community capacity. Through coordinated planning, citizen engagement, infrastructure development, and capacity-building programmes, the projects seek to deliver sustainable improvements in WASH services across the Ahafo Region.
These initiatives were endorsed by the district representatives and partners involved.
Discussion
The discussion session raised key community concerns, including high water tariffs, household connection fees, and fundraising for masterplan implementation. Participants proposed the creation of a shared WhatsApp platform to enhance coordination and communication among regional partners.
Conclusion
The meeting brought together Chief Executives, Directors, and officers from the Regional Coordinating Council, the six Municipal and District Assemblies, and the Ahafo Integrated WASH Initiative Partners. This second Ahafo Regional WASH Partners' Meeting reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders from all six districts and partner organisations to align efforts for accelerated progress towards universal WASH access in the Ahafo Region.
