COP 29: WaterAid Ghana Urges Government to Honor WASH Compact Commitment

Ibrahim Musah, Head of Strategy, Policy, and Campaigns at WaterAid Ghana, has appealed to the government to increase budget allocation for the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector citing the need for “at least 1.7 billion per annum” as promised in the Ghana WASH Compact signed by the President.

Musah emphasized the devastating impact of climate change on water resources, threatening community livelihoods.

Underground water resources are reducing due to climate change, but at the center of it is community livelihoods,” he noted.

Speaking in an interview with Business Week Ghana at the sidelines of the COP 29 in Baku- Azerbaijan, Musah noted that Ghana’s struggles with access to water, particularly in urban areas like Accra, Tamale, and Cape Coast, are attributed to inadequate financing and equity issues.

We welcome the WASH Compact, but it’s crucial that the allocated funds are released promptly,” Musah stated. “Inadequate budgetary allocations and delayed releases hinder our progress in providing universal access to safe water and sanitation,’ he added.

The WASH Compact is a national policy framework in Ghana aimed at achieving universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services. It’s a commitment by the Government of Ghana to prioritize WASH development and address the sector’s challenges.

The compact aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) targets. Musah expressed hope that the allocated funds would be translated into the 2025 budget.

Musah’s call comes as WaterAid Ghana implements a climate-resilient WASH program in the Upper East Region, targeting 21 communities and scaling up to 40 with district assemblies’ collaboration.

The program addresses community climate vulnerability issues and develops district-specific adaptation measures. However, Musah emphasized that inadequate financing remains a significant challenge.

Musah stressed the importance of community-led adaptation plans, stating, “Once communities come out with their own action plans, it becomes a bit more implementable.”

WaterAid Ghana’s concerns are echoed by communities struggling with access to water, particularly in urban areas like Accra, Tamale, and Cape Coast.

Musah underscored that increased investment in the WASH sector is critical for addressing equity concerns in rural areas, combating climate change’s impact on water resources and supporting community-led adaptation plans.

We urge the government to honor its commitment to the WASH Compact and prioritize the well-being of Ghanaians. Adequate funding is crucial for achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation,” he urged.

The appeal comes as Ghana strives to meet its SDG 6 targets and ensure a climate-resilient future for its citizens.

WaterAid Ghana’s efforts align with the national goal of ensuring universal access to safe water and sanitation.

The organization’s call to action emphasizes the need for collective responsibility, government support and community engagement to protect Ghana’s water resources and ensure a climate-resilient future.

Source: Kofi Ahovi, Baku – Azerbaijan

Courtesy Jospong Group