Strengthening Locally Led Collaboration in Ghana’s WASH Sector

On September 11th, the A4C Ghana Chapter convened at the World Vision Office in Accra for a learning session on the Locally Led Collaboration Continuum, a framework designed to shift power, strengthen systems, and guide our collective journey in WASH system strengthening.

The session, led by WaterAid Ghana Country Director, Ewurabena, and the Executive Secretary of CONIWAS, Basilia, introduced the Continuum as a tool for reflection, alignment, and action. We explored where we currently stand, what meaningful collaboration looks like, and how we can move forward together – placing local actors at the center of coordination and decision-making.

Key highlights from the session included:

✅ An in-depth exploration of the six stages of the Continuum, spanning from ‘Observe & Learn’ through to ‘Integrated System Strengthening,’ providing a comprehensive understanding of our journey.

✅ Thought-provoking reflections on the local context, highlighting the importance of readiness for transformative change and our collective commitment to refining the country collaboration charter.

✅ Collaborative brainstorming about the upcoming A4C technical session at the Mole WASH Conference, ensuring that we elevate our next steps with informed insights.

✅ A strong emphasis on the principles of locally led collaboration, the generation of evidence-based practices, collective action, shared ownership, and the importance of adaptive systems.

Let us continue to challenge the status quo, evolve our strategies, and align our efforts in pursuit of sustainable and locally driven WASH systems that truly meet the needs of our communities.