WASH Reflections DLLAP 2 - Validation of Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Framework for the WASH Masterplan
The second meeting of the Asutifi North District Level Learning Alliance Platform (AN-DLLAP) hosted the validation of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework, developed for the district-based WASH full coverage initiative. The district MEL framework seeks to provide a structure for tracking implementation, and for measuring progress towards the stated goal and objectives of the WASH Masterplan. It contains baseline data values, indicators for monitoring, levels of data disaggregation, methods of measurement, and the means of verification. It also covers questions for mid-term and end-term evaluations of the district-based WASH full coverage initiative
13 Aug 2018
WASH Reflection DLLAP 1 - A District Learning Alliance Platform to drive WASH SDG
The Asutifi North District is currently pursuing a development agenda that will ensure that in the next 12 years, an enviable feat of universal access to safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene services is attained. The district-based full WASH coverage initiative was developed in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, and was inaugurated as the Asutifi North Ahonidie Mpontuo (ANAM) in the first quarter of 2018. It is being implemented with funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and in partnership with IRC, World Vision International, the Aquaya Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Netcentric Campaigns, as well as Safe Water Network. The role of 'communications', 'advocacy', and 'networks' in the successful implementation of the initiative was duly anticipated. As such, these issues were given prominence in the Chapter 6 of a Masterplan to guide implementation of the ANAM programme. The establishment of the Asutifi North District Level Learning Alliance Platform (AN-DLLAP) brings to the fore a stage for facilitating learning, knowledge exchange and communication within the framework of the District WASH Masterplan towards full coverage.
14 Jul 2018
WASH Reflection 73 - Sustainable Development Goal
Structures and efforts are underway to monitor the Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG 6) in Ghana. The SDGs are aimed at setting higher goals to address the critical development challenges facing humanity in order to eradicate poverty. All over the world countries are reviewing the 17 goals and 169 targets to translate them into local actions taking into account national circumstances and capacity. To monitor SDG 6, which focuses on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), Ghana has put certain structures in place and has put certain institutions in charge. This paper presents the current efforts towards monitoring and reporting on SDG 6 in Ghana.
14 Jul 2018
WASH Reflection 72 - WASH in Healthcare Facilities in Ghana need urgent attention
By 2030, every healthcare facility in every setting has access to safely managed, reliable water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities to meet staff and patient needs in order to provide quality, safe, and people-cantered care. This is the Global Action Plan for WASH in healthcare facilities. A 2015 WHO/UNICEF report found that almost 40% of healthcare facilities lacked a water supply, one in five did not have improved sanitation, and more than a third lacked hand hygiene facilities. Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) cause about 75% of deaths among neonates born in health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa, according to WaterAid. In Ghana, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service says that about 21,000 neonatal deaths are recorded annually, and among the major causes are infections.
14 Jul 2018
WASH Reflection 71 - The Empowerment in WASH Index
The term 'Empowerment' in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector has always been topical with diverse interpretations and definitions. The assessment and measurement of empowerment in WASH has also largely remained a gap. It has therefore become necessary to reflect on achieving inclusive services by co-developing a novel tool that directly captures gender-based empowerment in the WASH sector and also enables local government agencies, NGOs, CSOs and Development Partners to assess and monitor gender issues related to their WASH programmes in Ghana. This was the assignment that engaged the attention and support of stakeholders at the 72nd edition of the National Level Learning Alliance Platform (NLLAP) in Accra on February 22, 2018.
14 Feb 2018
WASH Reflection 70 - Mainstreaming Human Capacity Development in Ghana's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Sector
Participants at the 71st edition of the National Level Learning Alliance Platform (NLLAP) in Accra have welcomed the idea of mainstreaming human capacity development in the Water and Sanitation Sector in Ghana. Participants extensively discussed the training needs for young professionals and technicians, resources needed, implementation and monitoring and evaluation framework to mainstream, formalize and coordinate human capacity development in the WASH sector.
14 Feb 2018
WASH Reflection 69 - Stakeholders support Ghana's accession to two international Water Conventions
Participants at the 70 edition of the National Level Learning Alliance Platform (NLLAP) in Accra have expressed the need for Ghana to ratify and accede to two global transboundary water conventions in order to build a shared understanding and cooperation in the quest for peace and security. Since 30% of Ghana's total renewable water resources originates from outside the country's borders, participants at the forum were convinced that the 1992 Water Convention and the 1997 Watercourses Convention would provide several benefits to the country in relating with riparian countries on transboundary water resources management issues.
14 Jan 2018
WASH REFLECTION 65 - Give Sanitation More Attention-WASH Sector Actors Advocate
Stakeholders in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector at the 66th National Level Learning Alliance Platform (NLLAP) meeting have called for deliberate attention to be given to sanitation in the country if Ghana wanted to make gains towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) especially SDG 6. Stakeholders were unanimous on the need for government to begin to prioritize funding for sanitation through adequate budget allocation.
23 Sep 2017
WASH Reflection 64 - Provide DCDs and DCEs Orientation on Rural Sanitation-NLLAP Stakeholders Advocates
Stakeholders in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector at the 64 National Level Learning Alliance Platform (NLLAP) meeting have advocated that all District Coordinating Directors (DCDs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) should be provided the needed orientation on rural sanitation with specific focus and priority given to Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) early in their tenure to shore up their interest and commitment towards improving rural sanitation in the country. Stakeholders indicated that such an orientation should be led and undertaken by the Community Water and Sanitation (CWSA) and Regional Environmental Health Officers to capacitate the DCDs and DCEs lead and moderate discussions on rural sanitation at the local level.
12 Jun 2017
WASH Reflections 63 - Access to Bank and Operational Finance - Major Barrier to Sanitation SMEs
Participants at the Easy access to banking and operational finance among micro, small, medium and large sanitation enterprises have been identified as one of the leading barriers to their operations in Ghana. Aside, on time payment has also been identified as another barrier affecting the smooth operations of sanitation SMEs. Explaining some of the barriers that militate against the operations of sanitation SMEs in Ghana from a study of sanitation non-market environment for small and medium scale sanitation enterprises in Kumasi and Accra, Dr. Pippa Scottan I-San Associate of the Integrated Sanitation Solutions for Urban Development said the study was to understand the non-market barriers and opportunities facing small & medium scale sanitation (SME) businesses and their impact on the businesses themselves as well as on their ability to reach Low Income Urban Communities (LIUC) with appropriate products and services, while leveraging and encouraging a more substantive role for SMEs in the sector with particular interest in advocating for review of the fiscal, regulatory and policy aspects of the non-market context.
08 May 2017
WASH Reflection 61 - There is value in wastewater-take it serious-Executive Secretary of WRC
The Executive Secretary of the Water Resources Commission, Mr. Ben Ampomah, has said the poor sanitation and waste management was Ghana's biggest challenge and that, he further noted, had led to most of the country's fresh water bodies being contaminated leading to diseases and needless deaths. He said for instance, about 80-90% of waste generated in Ghana end up in surface water bodies without treatment and therefore urged stakeholders in the WASH sector to take wastewater management seriously since there was value in wastewater. Mr. Ampomah further explained that, for Ghana to achieve the SDG 6, wastewater must be given the needed attention.
12 Mar 2017
WASH Reflection 60 - WAG Advocates for Use of WinS Guidelines and Practices
The Country Director of WaterAid Ghana (WAG) Mr. Abdul-Nashiru Mohammed has expressed the need for stakeholders in the WASH sector especially those in educational institutions to take Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) seriously, since MHM was a subject that affected everybody, whether one was in school, the community or home environment. He said children spent a minimum of 5 hours in school, so the school environment was critical in shaping the children. “We can get it all right in the school environment and we can get it all wrong in the school environment; we just need to make sure we are following the guidelines and practices that have been established, as it is the best way to help shape our pupils,” Mr. Mohammed emphasized.
12 Jan 2017