No Time for Blame – Unite to Save Ghana’s Waterways,” Declares Minister
Ghana’s Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Lydia Eyram Alhassan, has called for a holistic and unified approach to combat illegal mining in the country.
“This is not a time for blame; rather, it’s a moment to unite all stakeholders—from government, opposition parties, and civil society organizations, to traditional and religious authorities.
Each of us has a role in addressing this national crisis, which demands a solution free from politics. Posterity will judge us harshly if we fail to act decisively to save our water bodies and forests,” she stated.
Minister Alhassan shared these sentiments at the opening ceremony of the 35th annual Mole WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) conference, held at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, Volta Regional capital.
Progress Toward SDG 6: A Call to Action
Minister Alhassan emphasized the importance of a unified approach in tackling Ghana’s critical water and sanitation issues, noting that this year’s conference, themed around Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, serves as a platform to assess Ghana’s progress, pinpoint challenges, and create strategies for accelerated action.
She praised achievements within the WASH sector and highlighted the significance of key guiding documents, such as the Ghana Water Sector Development Programme (2021-2030) and the National Water Policy.
“This conference is more than a meeting; it’s a rallying call to implement our strategies and commitments effectively,” she emphasized.
Minister Alhassan affirmed that achieving universal access to safe, sustainable WASH services aligns with both national priorities and global sustainability goals, adding, “Success in managing water and sanitation services, especially amid climate change, depends on our commitment to these policies and frameworks.”
Innovative Financing and Partner Dedication
Addressing financial challenges in the WASH sector, the Minister noted the necessity of innovative financing methods, including public-private partnerships, to bridge current funding gaps. “We must consider all opportunities, including international private sector funding, to achieve our ambitious goals,” she urged.
However, the Minister commended WASH sector partners for their dedication. “Your expertise, dedication, and collaboration have been crucial in shaping the sector and advancing our national development goals. As we continue our journey toward achieving the SDGs, let this conference be a catalyst for action,” she said.
Traditional Leadership’s Role in Environmental Protection
In his remark, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, Paramount Chief of the Anfoega Traditional Area and President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, also called for stakeholders to ensure that traditional rulers and grassroots partners play active roles in protecting Ghana’s environment.
Emphasizing the link between environmental stewardship and citizens’ health and livelihoods, Togbe Hodo IV stressed, “This conference opens at a critical time when we need to take a second look at our natural resource exploitation, as it is destroying our water bodies and threatening the health of all citizens.”
The Paramount Chief commended the conference organizers and urged the creation of actionable proposals to address environmental degradation and water pollution, especially the impacts of illegal mining, or “galamsey.”
“Legislation and policy alone cannot solve this issue. We must engage traditional rulers and grassroots stakeholders for a community-driven approach to preserve Ghana’s natural heritage,” he said.
The Annual Mole WASH Conference: A Multi-Stakeholder Platform for Sustainable Progress
The annual Mole WASH Conference, organized by the Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS), is a Civil Society Organization (CSO)-led, multi-stakeholder platform aimed at reviewing sector performance, shaping policies, removing barriers, and promoting access to sustainable WASH services.
Supported by key partners like WaterAid Ghana, World Vision Ghana, UNICEF, the World Bank, and Global Communities, the conference serves as a vital forum for collaboration.
Public sector institutions, including the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources and the World Bank-funded GAMA SWP project, are also instrumental in driving the conference’s mission of fostering a healthier, more sustainable Ghana.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
