CONIWAS, ESPA move to advance Ghana’s WASH sector agenda 

The Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) to advance Ghana’s WASH sector agenda.

This remark was contained in a solidarity message delivered on behalf of Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, the President of the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) at the opening ceremony of the 33rd MOLE conference which was held at  Elmina in the Central Region under the theme: Ghana’s Commitment To Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Connecting Systems To Bridge Service Gaps.”

” The theme is extremely pertinent given the continuing discussions regarding our nation’s commitment to safeguarding our water resources and maintaining excellent sanitation and hygiene for all of its residents,” he stressed.

According to him,  they had preliminary discussions with the Chairman of CONIWAS about working with partners to support weaker members of ESPA and CONIWAS in order to elevate them to a respectable standing. We intend to take action in the next weeks and months.

Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong commended the government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the strong partnership he has forged with the private sector.

Citing the enormous support the President has provided towards the establishment of the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant, the Kumasi Waste Water Treatment Plant and the 16 Integrated Recycling and Composting Plants across the 16 regions of the country, and other water-related facilities.

According to him, the Chairman of the Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) Yaw Attah Arhin, the conference this year will continue the national dialogue aimed at changing the narrative regarding the approach to the delivery of sustainable WASH services in Ghana.

This is in line with the coalition’s mission of working with citizens and relevant stakeholders to influence policies, remove barriers, and promote access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene for the poor and vulnerable.

He said they will reflect on Ghana’s WASH commitments towards achieving national and SDG 6 targets for water, sanitation, and hygiene in the country.

Also, explore area-wide approaches that address equity concerns and promote sustainable WASH service delivery for everyone everywhere.

According to him, there will also be a highlight on cutting-edge partnerships with education, health, economic and environmental sectors in delivering cost-effective, affordable, and inclusive WASH services.

“We shall also review existing innovative financing approaches that are inclusive and self-sustaining.
Explore appropriate technology and innovations for delivering WASH services in an equitable and inclusive manner.

Develop practical and actionable recommendations for accelerating access to sustainable WASH services,” he stated.

However, he reiterated the commitment of CONIWAS and its members to work closely with the government, development partners, private sector, academic and research institutions, and all relevant stakeholders to accelerate and sustain the delivery of safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene to the good people of Ghana.

However, he reaffirmed the commitment of CONIWAS and its members to collaborating closely with the government, development partners, private sector, academic and research institutions, and all other pertinent stakeholders to expedite and sustain the delivery of safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene to Ghana’s good people.

This year’s MOLE conference was funded by UNICEF and GAMA SWP, Global Communities and Ghana Water Company Limited our Platinum Sponsors, World Vision Ghana, WaterAid Ghana, and Zoomlion Ghana Limited our Gold Sponsors and Catholic Relief Services, IRC, Plan International Ghana, SNV, Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) and CWSA.