Update · NLAP
Improving Water Safety in Ghana: National Learning Session on Household Water Treatment Standards and Certification
03 December 2024
On the 29 th of November 2024, the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) in collaboration with the Resource Centre Network hosted a national learning and sharing session on the Standards and Certification Scheme on…
On the 29 th of November 2024, the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) in collaboration with the Resource Centre Network hosted a national learning and sharing session on the Standards and Certification Scheme on Household Water Treatment Products in Ghana. The event brought together stakeholders from various ministries, NGOs, and the media to discuss the pressing issue of HWTPs in Ghana. The sessions' objectives include raising awareness, enhancing compliance among manufacturers, and improving public health by ensuring that HWTPs meet minimum microbiological performance criteria. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding public health and contributing to safer drinking water for all.
The session was held to address the global challenge of access to safe drinking water by promoting standardized criteria for Household Water Treatment Products (HWTP). Ghana's 2014 strategy emphasizes the importance of HWTP technologies like filters to reduce waterborne diseases. Collaborative efforts by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), MSWR, WHO, and UNICEF aim to certify and regulate HWTPs, supporting safe water access and achieving SDG 6 targets.
Unclean water storage is a critical factor contributing to household contamination, leading to various serious health issues. According to Mr. Kwaku Quansah, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), improper water storage practices pose substantial risks to public health. During an interview at the National Level Learning Alliance Platform (NLLAP) in Accra, he provided insights into the National Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) Strategy.
Mr. Quansah explained that poorly maintained water storage containers can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. He emphasized that the absence of proper and consistent cleaning and disinfection profoundly undermines the quality of stored water. “Without routine maintenance, storage containers can…
The session was held to address the global challenge of access to safe drinking water by promoting standardized criteria for Household Water Treatment Products (HWTP). Ghana's 2014 strategy emphasizes the importance of HWTP technologies like filters to reduce waterborne diseases. Collaborative efforts by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), MSWR, WHO, and UNICEF aim to certify and regulate HWTPs, supporting safe water access and achieving SDG 6 targets.
Unclean water storage is a critical factor contributing to household contamination, leading to various serious health issues. According to Mr. Kwaku Quansah, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), improper water storage practices pose substantial risks to public health. During an interview at the National Level Learning Alliance Platform (NLLAP) in Accra, he provided insights into the National Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) Strategy.
Mr. Quansah explained that poorly maintained water storage containers can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. He emphasized that the absence of proper and consistent cleaning and disinfection profoundly undermines the quality of stored water. “Without routine maintenance, storage containers can…