Duayaw-Nkwanta: Mr Pius Sampson Opoku, the Tano North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) in the Ahafo Region, has given an assurance that the Assembly is committed to improving Water and Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in the municipality. He stated that the Assembly intends to integrate WASH activities into its Medium-Term Development Plan to promote sustainable water and sanitation service delivery.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Opoku provided this assurance while speaking at an inception meeting on the nation’s ‘WASH Master Plan’ at Duayaw-Nkwanta. The meeting was organised by IRC, Ghana, a technical support group, in collaboration with the Assembly, aiming to strengthen safe water policies and regulations. Mr Opoku emphasized that WASH is a strategic initiative to protect public health and promote sustainable water management practices.
He further stated, “We embrace and accept the WASH master plan and the Assembly commits to providing resources towards its effective and efficient implementation in order for the municipality to derive the optimum benefit.” Mr Jeremiah Atengdem, a Water Expert at IRC, Ghana, explained that IRC remains committed to supporting the government to ensure safe water, good hygiene, and sanitation. This would position the nation to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG six) of ensuring access to safe water and basic sanitation for all by 2030.
Mr Atengdem highlighted that IRC, Ghana is also assisting the six District and Municipal Assemblies in the Region to implement the nation’s ‘WASH Master Plan’ effectively. He noted that while it is not a statutory requirement, it is appropriate for the Assemblies to incorporate the plan in their Medium-Term Development Plans for budgetary allocation. He remarked, “Just like the government financial system, the WASH project cannot be implemented without funding.”
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including Nana Nsowa Diawuo Kokroko, the Kuonahene (sub-chief) of the Duayaw-Nkwanta Traditional Council; Mr Jacob Adade Ntiamoah, the Ahafo Regional Development Planning Officer; and Mr Eric Adomako, the Tano North Municipal Coordinating Director. Other participants included Mr Samuel Essandor, the Tano North Municipal Planning Officer; Mr Houston Michael Boakye, the Presiding Member of the Tano North Municipal Assembly, and other stakeholders.