On Friday, 7th November 2025, Netcentric Campaigns convened a strategic meeting with the newly appointed
Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) from the six districts of the Ahafo Region at the RCC Conference Room. The meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration, providing guidance, and outlining key
strategies for improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services across the region.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Jacob Adade Ntiamoah, the Regional Economic Planning Officer, who warmly received the MDCEs and participants. In his address, Mr. Ntiamoah highlighted
the importance of the gathering, noting that effective WASH programs are critical to the health and well-being
of communities and that strong local leadership is essential for their success. He encouraged active engagement,
collaboration, and commitment from all MDCEs to ensure the goals of the region’s WASH initiatives are fully
realized.
A central feature of the meeting was a comprehensive presentation by Marty Kearns, Executive Director of
Netcentric Campaigns, specifically tailored for the newly appointed MDCEs. Mr. Kearns provided a broad
overview of the organization’s WASH initiatives in the Ahafo Region, emphasizing the pivotal role of local
leadership in driving sustainable access to clean water, effective sanitation, and improved hygiene practices in
communities.
During his presentation, Mr. Kearns outlined strategies for expanding access to safe drinking water, including
the construction and rehabilitation of boreholes and water supply networks to ensure that underserved
communities have equitable access to this vital resource. He also highlighted approaches to sanitation, focusing
on the construction and maintenance of public toilets, school sanitation units and household latrines to reduce
open defecation and improve overall hygiene outcomes.
In addition, Mr. Kearns emphasized the importance of hygiene education and behavioral change programs
targeting schools, local communities and households. These initiatives promote proper handwashing, safe water
storage, and other essential sanitation practices. He also stressed the need for sustainability through local
ownership, capacity building, and partnerships with civil society organizations to ensure long-term
improvements in WASH services. Challenges such as logistical constraints, resource limitations, and behavioral
barriers were discussed, along with lessons learned from prior successful interventions.
On behalf of the MDCEs, Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tano
South, thanked Netcentric Campaigns for their continuous support in advancing WASH initiatives in the Ahafo
Region. He highlighted some of the pressing challenges affecting sanitation and water access, particularly the
need for more toilet facilities to reduce open defecation in communities. Hon. Frimpong further pledged that the doors of the Tano South Municipal Assembly are open for collaboration, promising active engagement with Netcentric Campaigns to ensure the success of WASH programs in the district.
Following the presentation and discussions, the MDCEs deliberated on aligning district-level planning with
regional WASH objectives. They stressed the importance of coordinated monitoring, resource mobilization, and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of WASH initiatives in their
respective districts.
Marty Kearns and the newly appointed MDCEs pledged to strengthen collaboration, committing to work closely to ensure that WASH programs are efficiently implemented, sustainable, and reach the most vulnerable
populations in the Ahafo Region.
The meeting was brought to a close with remarks from Mr. Joseph Frimpong Naayo, the Acting Chief Director, on behalf of the Regional Minister. In his address, Mr. Naayo commended Netcentric Campaigns for
their steadfast support in advancing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives across the Ahafo
Region. He also lauded the newly appointed MDCEs for their active participation and commitment during the
discussions, emphasizing that their engagement is critical to the successful implementation of WASH
programs.
Mr. Naayo underscored the importance of collaboration between government authorities, development partners, and local stakeholders, noting that coordinated efforts are essential to addressing sanitation and hygiene challenges effectively. He encouraged the MDCEs to ensure that resources are efficiently utilized, community needs are prioritized, and WASH interventions are sustainable. Concluding his remarks, he expressed confidence that with strong leadership, partnership, and dedication, the region would achieve
significant improvements in public health, sanitation, and hygiene outcomes for its communities.
