Bolgatanga: Four District Assemblies in the Upper East Region have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with World Vision Ghana to enhance efforts towards achieving universal access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services by 2030. The agreements, signed by the respective District Chief Executives, aim to fortify collaboration in Bawku West, Garu, Builsa South, and Tempane.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Robel Wamisho, Associate Director for WASH at World Vision Ghana, represented the organization at the signing. The event was part of a regional stakeholder engagement and dissemination meeting on Universal Service Coverage under World Vision's WASH Business Plan, themed 'Mapping the Blue Thread.' Mr. Wamisho emphasized the significance of the MoUs as foundational documents to steer planning, resource mobilization, and implementation of WASH initiatives.
The initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal Six, which aims to ensure sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. Mr. Wamisho highlighted that the WASH Business Plan, initiated in November 2025, underscores the critical role of water, sanitation, and hygiene in health, education, and economic development.
Mr. Joshua Richard Baidoo, Strategy and Integrated Programme Director at World Vision Ghana, stated that access to WASH services is vital for health, dignity, and economic growth. He outlined the organization's new five-year strategy, 'Hope for Every Child,' which aspires to support 2.8 million children in Ghana by 2030. The strategy includes the Universal Service Coverage programme, targeting child malnutrition and poor sanitation.
Achieving universal WASH coverage necessitates innovative financing, strong partnerships, and commitment from assemblies, government, and development partners. Mr. Baidoo emphasized the role of assemblies and government in providing water and sanitation services, with World Vision as a supportive partner.
Mr. Cephas Wedam, Programme Manager for Universal Service Coverage at World Vision Ghana, explained that the programme aims for at least 90 per cent WASH access in operational districts by 2030, focusing on underserved communities. He indicated that substantial annual investments would be required to meet these targets.
The partnership will focus on WASH infrastructure projects, sustainable behavioral change, system strengthening, and innovative management approaches such as water facility insurance schemes. Community mobilization and local resource provision by assemblies will be crucial for successful implementation.
All four District Chief Executives expressed their commitment to the partnership, aiming to deliver improved WASH services to their residents.