The Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. Charity Gardiner and the Regional Coordinating Council have in collaboration with the Netcentric Campaigns, and other key partners, held a commemorative event to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day at the Roman Catholic Park in Goaso on March 12, 2025.
March is globally recognized as International Women’s Month, dedicated to celebrating the political, cultural, economic, and social achievements of women. In the Ahafo Region, this event served as a platform to highlight the importance of empowering women through Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs and services, which in a far-reaching manner, contribute to building resilient communities and delivering sustainable and effective outcomes.
Setting the tone for the commemoration, Mr. Sampson Amoako Kwarteng, the Chief Director, welcomed all participants and key stakeholders and expressed gratitude to Netcentric Campaigns for sponsoring the event. He emphasized the theme for this year’s celebration: “Accelerating Action Towards Gender Equality in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Service Delivery.” He urged all stakeholders to foster an inclusive society where women’s voices are heard and their contributions recognized.
Optional Addresses from Key Stakeholders
Mr. Mohammed Alhassan Yakubu, Asunafo North Municipal Co-ordinating Director, highlighted the importance of International Women’s Day as a symbol of women’s struggle for equality, justice, and human rights. He urged all stakeholders to empower women by providing access to WASH services, which directly impact their lives and communities. He also noted that, through the WASH Master Plan, the Asunafo North Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the RCC and other partners, is making significant progress in increasing access to water facilities in the municipality and other districts within the region.
Mr. Gustav Osiakwan, Ahafo Regional Director for Community Water and Sanitation Agency, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to facilitating sustainable potable water supply, sanitation services, and hygiene promotion in rural communities and small towns. He highlighted ongoing investments in Goaso to ensure universal access to clean water.
Mr. Jeremiah Atengdem, IRC representative, commended the program’s sponsors and traced the origins of IRC WASH in Ghana, which began in the Asutifi North District in 2017. He shared that, thanks to the WASH Master Plan, about 90% of the district’s residents now have access to water services and open defecation has been eliminated. The plan has also attracted new investors and partners, with 30% of the region’s water facility management committees now composed of women.
Remarks by Traditional Authorities
Nana Afia Serwaa, Goaso Manhemaa, emphasized the importance of personal hygiene, stating that as women mark International Women’s Day, they must remember the adage: “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
Keynote Address by Hon. Charity Gardiner
Hon. Charity Gardiner, Ahafo Regional Minister, expressed her deep appreciation to Netcentric Campaigns for their unprecedented sponsorship. She highlighted that women and girls bear the greatest responsibility in ensuring access to clean water and sanitation globally.
She lamented the lack of proper sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools, which leads to high dropout rates among girls, especially during their menstrual periods. Furthermore, she pointed out that inadequate WASH services in workplaces and public institutions hinder women’s participation in decision-making and economic activities.
Government Interventions and Initiatives
Hon. Charity Gardiner announced that the government has allocated 292.4 Million Ghana cedis for the supply of free sanitary pads to girls in basic and pre-tertiary schools to ensure they remain in school during menstruation. Additionally, 51.3 Million Ghana cedis has been set aside as seed funding for the establishment of the proposed Women’s Development Bank.
She also highlighted key government flagship programs such as the 24-hour Economy Policy, Adwumawura Program, and National Apprenticeship Program, all of which aim to uplift women and girls by creating economic opportunities.
Hon. Charity Gardiner further assured the public that her office has established the Ahafo Development Foundation to support underprivileged individuals in the fight against poverty.
The event featured a vibrant float through the principal streets of Goaso to honour women in the Ahafo Region.
The celebration brought together Staff of Ahafo RCC, Netcentric Campaign representatives, members of the Clergy and Imams, Women from various professional fields, including security services, Political Parties, Artisans, and Traditional Authorities, Students, Media personnel, and the General Public.