The Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council in collaboration with IRC and with funding support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation held a Regional Integrated WASH programme partners meeting on Tuesday, 6th May, 2025 at Zienel Oasis Hotel, Goaso. The meeting aimed to assess the current state of water, sanitation and hygiene services in the region and kickstart the regional learning alliance process.
The meeting which brought together various stakeholders including, Representatives from the Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council, IRC, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation from USA, Municipal and District Co-ordinating Directors, Development partners such as World Vision, Safe water, Project Maji, Aquaya Institute, Easy Water, CWSA, Netcentric Campaigns, and Government Officials.
In the opening remarks, Mr. Sampson Amoako Kwarteng, the Chief Director, who spoke on behalfof the Hon. Regional Minister welcomed all partners and stakeholders to the crucial meeting. He stated that the meeting was to review the progress of implementation of the District WASH Masterplan. Again, he noted the importance of collaboration and collective effort in achieving universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services in the region. Mr. Sampsonexpressed his profound appreciation to the IRC for their technical support and steadfast partnership and to Hilton Foundation for their huge investment in the wellbeing and dignity of the people of Ahafo through WASH programming. The Chief Director commended the indefatigable regional, municipal and district WASH teams for the hard work for the region and urged them all to work together to harness the collective expertise, share knowledge, and drive progress towards universal access to clean water and sanitation across the six districts in Ahafo.
Mr. Jacob Adade Ntiamoah, Regional Development Planning Officer, indicated that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the progress of the Ahafo Regional Integrated WASH programme and identify areas of improvement. He emphasized the need to foster collaborative learning and knowledge exchange among stakeholders to address challenges and share best practices.On the update of District WASH Master Plans, it was disclosed that the Ahafo region had made significant progress in its implementation. It was noted that the WASH Master plan had generally improved access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services in the region. Further, the progeamme had promoted community-led total sanitation and hygiene practices emphasizing the importance of handwashing with soap. According to the reports, this approach had helped reduce open-defecation and improved overall sanitation in most communities.
Similarly, it was further disclosed that the WASH Master Plan had improved water sources for communities, schools, and healthcare facilities. On community engagement, traditional leaders are actively engaged in developing Master Plan and promoting the programme at their fora.
All development partners shared their 2025 activity plans and updates. There was an open forum for discussion for stakeholders to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences on WASH activities. The open forum encouraged open dialogue, active listening, and collaborative problem solving.
