IRC Ghana and partners celebrate Global Handwashing Day in Ayomso, Ahafo Region
On the 15th of October 2024. IRC Ghana in partnership with Latter-day Saints Charities collaborated with the CWSA and the Ahafo to celebrate the Global Hand Washing Day with the the people of AYOMSO in the Ahafo Region. Global hand Washing Day is an annual global advocacy day dedicated to advocating for handwashing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. The theme for this year’s Global Hand Washing is “Why are clean hands still important?”
At the event, Harriet Botchway representing IRC Ghana stated that “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we all learned the importance of washing our hands regularly. It became a habit that helped protect us and our loved ones from a dangerous virus. But now, as the pandemic fades into memory, many of us have forgotten this simple yet powerful act. Today, we remind ourselves that clean hands are as vital now as they were then. Handwashing isn’t just about protecting ourselves—it’s about caring for our families, our communities, and especially our children. This small act, done with soap and water, remains one of the most powerful defences against preventable diseases.”
A representative from the Municipal Assembly of Asunafo North emphasized the ongoing importance of handwashing, calling for its revival in offices, schools, and public spaces as a critical health practice that had significantly helped reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases. He highlighted the collaboration between the Ahafo and Bono Regional Coordinating Councils, IRC Ghana, and other NGOs in promoting hand hygiene as part of efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6—clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. He also commended the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) for implementing technological innovations, such as smart taps, smart meters, and solar farms, to improve water management and reduce costs, ensuring sustainable water services in various communities.
Nana Oyeman Kodua Acheampong concluded the event by urging the community to embrace handwashing as a daily practice. He emphasizes that whether at home, at school, or in the market, it is important to wash hands—not just for personal health, but for the well-being of the entire community and adds that the community keep their surroundings clean, and to teach their children the importance of hygiene. He also acknowledges the role of technology, such as smart water taps and solar farms, in improving access to water. These developments are crucial for ensuring that every household has the necessary water to maintain good health. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Government, the RCC, CWSA, and IRC Ghana for their efforts in raising awareness about the importance of handwashing.