Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area in Ghana’s Upper East Region, has committed to establishing a fund aimed at enhancing access to Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) services in his jurisdiction. This initiative is aimed at addressing the district’s challenges and supporting WASH interventions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Paramount Chief announced the initiative during a stakeholder meeting held in Bolgatanga, organized by the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council and WaterAid Ghana. Lemyaarum commended WaterAid Ghana for its support in tackling water and WASH challenges in the district. He revealed that proceeds from the annual celebration of the ‘Azambene’ (fire festival) would be directed towards the WASH fund, starting from this year’s festival. The chief emphasized the requirement for every household in Bongo to have a sanitation facility, with the fund assisting those who cannot afford it. He expressed his commitment to making Bongo open defecation free by 2030, stressing the importance of good and safe drinking water for health and development. To ensure the sustainability of the fund, a special committee will be set up to manage it, and efforts will be made to solicit additional funds from various organizations, groups, and individuals.