News
Speed up action to achieve universal access to WASH -CONIWAS to government
The Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) has called on the government of Ghana to double its steps for urgent action to achieve Universal access to WASH.
For them, the world had about seven years to achieve SDG 6 and if the needed efforts were not doubled, Ghana might lose out on its target.
Ms Basilia Nanbigne, the Executive Secretary of CONIWAS made the call in Accra when the Coalition presented a paper to the Sector Ministry to input in their presentation at the 2023 UN Water Conference from 22-24 March 2023 in New York.
It is expected to see the adoption of the Water Action Agenda, representing voluntary commitments of nations and stakeholders to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets connected to water.
Ms Nanbigne said bold commitments were required to ensure the well-being and prosperity of both people and the planet, to achieve the SDGs and to meet biodiversity and climate targets.
“Per SDG 6, every Ghanaian must have access to “safely managed sanitation” by 2030. This means providing everyone with a toilet that is linked to a system of safe waste disposal.”
She said the focus should be on “Safely Managed” while dealing with equity and inclusion to address inequalities guiding the water supply.
The Executive Director said in practical terms, it required the government to begin a programme to bring water supply closer to the premises, building on existing boreholes, and putting safely managed statistics at the front burner in the national discourse.
She said it also involves addressing the entire sanitation value chain beyond the provision of improved household toilets.
Ms Nanbigne also called for a deliberate effort to universalize institutional WASH (Health Facilities and Schools).
She stated that all investments for WASH in communities must include the mandatory provision of WASH to schools, in consultation with teachers, parents, and the Ghana Education Service.
In that regard, she said, to achieve this goal, a comprehensive assessment of gaps in WASH in schools and the health system should be conducted as a matter of urgency to complement data available for schools and health facilities through the Education Management Information System (EMIS) and the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) respectively.
Other issues raised by CONIWAS cover the need for the sector ministry to engage more on climate change, gender equity and equality, and human rights to WASH as well as develop Ghana Presidential Compact for WASH, and approve the National Sanitation Authority immediately.
She also called for comprehensive sector reforms that addressed institutional, regulatory, human resource, governance, funding, and technological aspects of WASH.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Sanitation, Water and Resources, (MSWR) Mr Noah Tumfo assured the Ministry of its commitment to put into consideration the paper.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
Ghanaian cinema continues to break boundaries as Vibes The Movie has received an official nomination at the prestigious Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Toronto.
This latest international recognition is another proud moment for Ghana and a powerful testament to the creativity, originality, and global appeal of Ghanaian storytelling.
Directed by Big Ghun and starring Jeffrey Nortey, Vibes The Movie evolved from the hugely successful social media series, where the beloved characters Obolo Tui and Lil Pui captured the hearts of millions with their unique blend of rap, comedy, and relatable stories about the everyday struggles and ambitions of Ghanaian youth.
The film has already brought honour to Ghana on the international stage, most recently winning an Outstanding Achievement Award at the American Motion Pictures Festival in the United States.
The Chronicle noted that the film was recognized for its originality, craftsmanship, and storytelling impact among a competitive pool of global entries.
Now, with a nomination at TINFF in Canada, Vibes The Movie continues its remarkable journey from the streets of Accra to some of the world’s most respected film platforms.
The nomination underscores the growing global appreciation for authentic African stories and confirms that Ghanaian filmmakers are making a significant mark in international cinema.
As Vibes The Movie flies the Black Star high in Toronto, Ghana celebrates yet another cultural achievement that showcases the country’s talent, resilience, and storytelling excellence to the world
A prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has broken silence on the deep-seated internal machinations within the party, warning that the continuous victimization of members could severely jeopardize unity ahead of the general elections.
In a post on the party’s internal democratic processes, the former National Entrpreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) boss, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah revealed how personal ambitions were stifled by party elites in the Asante Akyem Central constituency, despite overwhelming grassroots support.
According to the aggrieved party member, the decision to run for the parliamentary seat was not a self-serving agenda but a direct response to a call to service by the local constituents.
“My Asante Akyem Central people loved my politics and approached me to come and serve them as MP,” he stated.
He added that “But my own party elders blocked me and supported the incumbent MP to cheat through the system as if I was an outsider.”
The unfair playing field he revealed led to a massive financial distress. The stalwart disclosed incurring massive debts across two consecutive primary election cycles, alongside other personal challenges.
Despite the systemic sabotage, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah noted that he remained loyal, continuously defending both the NPP party and the government’s policies at all levels.
“Seeing what’s going on in the current polling station elections in several constituencies, it seems not much has changed,” he warned.
“The victimization of those who want to challenge current or former MPs should stop,” he stated.
With the general elections approaching, he cautioned,”You don’t treat party people anyhow and expect unconditional unity for the general elections.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
