Strengthening WASH Systems in Ghana: A Critical Path to Achieving SDG 6

As the global community races to meet the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6)—ensuring water and sanitation for all by 2030—Ghana stands at a crucial juncture. Despite progress in infrastructure development and policy implementation, the country continues to grapple with significant challenges, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. These challenges underscore the need for systemic reform across Ghana’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. Insights from recent district and national assessments, coupled with the findings of the 3SWASH Project, presented at the 2024 Mole WASH Conference, offer a roadmap for how Ghana can overcome these hurdles and accelerate progress toward achieving SDG 6.

The Landscape of WASH in Ghana: A Mixed Bag of Progress and Gaps

Ghana’s journey toward fulfilling the SDG 6 agenda is marked by uneven progress across its diverse regions. At the district level, assessments reveal commendable advances in infrastructure development and policy adoption. Urban centers have benefited from enhanced water supply systems and sanitation services, driven by strong governmental frameworks. However, the picture becomes more fragmented in rural areas, where access to essential services remains sporadic, and long-term sustainability is uncertain.

One of the most pressing issues in rural and peri-urban areas is the disparity in service delivery. Rural communities, particularly in districts such as Bongo and Upper East, continue to lag behind their urban counterparts, both in access to clean water and effective sanitation services. Weak financial oversight and inadequate monitoring mechanisms further exacerbate these challenges, contributing to the fragmentation of WASH systems at the local level.

The 3SWASH Project: A Case Study in Systemic Strengthening

The 3SWASH Project, implemented in the Bongo District, offers a model for addressing these systemic challenges. Focused on strengthening WASH systems in healthcare facilities, the project delivered critical improvements in infrastructure and stakeholder coordination. Notable successes include the installation of mechanized water systems and the introduction of enhanced medical waste management practices, directly benefiting healthcare workers and patients alike.

At the heart of the project’s success was the coordination between district authorities, healthcare providers, and community members. This collaboration fostered a sense of ownership over WASH services within the district, laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability. While the project faced obstacles—such as mobilizing healthcare workers and disseminating policies effectively—it highlighted the importance of engaging all stakeholders to create an integrated and resilient WASH system.

Systemic Challenges: Financing, Monitoring, and Accountability

Despite these pockets of success, systemic issues continue to hinder the overall performance of Ghana’s WASH sector. Financial mechanisms, particularly at the district level, are inadequate to support long-term service delivery, especially in rural areas. Budget allocations for WASH are often insufficient and do not reflect the growing demand for water and sanitation infrastructure. This financial gap leaves many rural communities vulnerable to lapses in service provision.

Moreover, the lack of robust monitoring frameworks and accountability mechanisms is a critical bottleneck in Ghana’s WASH system. Without consistent and reliable data, it is difficult to track progress, address gaps, and enforce standards. Rural areas are disproportionately affected by this lack of oversight, resulting in inconsistent service delivery and the perpetuation of inequalities in access to clean water and sanitation.

Bridging the Gaps: Recommendations for the Future

To tackle these systemic challenges, the following recommendations are critical:

1. Capacity Building and Life Cycle Costing: It is essential to expand capacity-building efforts focused on Life Cycle Costing (LCC) to empower district-level staff in planning and managing WASH services over the long term. By understanding the full financial implications of WASH infrastructure, districts can allocate resources more effectively, ensuring the sustainability of services.
2. Enhanced Stakeholder Coordination: Platforms such as the District Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on Sanitation (DICCS) should be institutionalized across all districts to facilitate continuous collaboration between governmental bodies, NGOs, and community members. This will prevent duplication of efforts and ensure that multi-sectoral engagement remains a priority.
3. Community Involvement: Active community participation is a cornerstone of sustainable WASH services. Empowering local communities to take part in decision-making, infrastructure maintenance, and advocacy will not only enhance service delivery but also foster a sense of ownership that is crucial for long-term success.
4. Improved Financial Mechanisms: Strengthening financial management at both the district and national levels is crucial for ensuring equitable access to WASH services. This includes increasing budget allocations, enhancing financial oversight, and developing innovative financing models that can support rural and peri-urban communities.
5. Strengthening Regulation and Monitoring: A robust regulatory framework is essential for ensuring accountability and consistency in service delivery. Establishing stronger monitoring systems, particularly in rural areas, will help close existing gaps and ensure that national policies are consistently implemented across districts.
6. Aligning National and District Policies: To prevent delays and inconsistencies, national WASH policies must be consistently disseminated and implemented at the district level. This alignment is vital for creating a unified approach to service delivery and ensuring that progress is tracked uniformly across the country.

The Path Forward: A Systems Approach to Achieving SDG 6

The findings from the 3SWASH Project and the broader WASH assessments conducted across Ghana highlight the need for a coordinated, systems-based approach to achieving SDG 6. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving financial management, and fostering stakeholder collaboration are all critical to addressing the systemic weaknesses that persist in Ghana’s WASH sector.

The success of the 3SWASH Project demonstrates that a systems approach, which integrates infrastructure development with stakeholder coordination and community engagement, can yield significant results. By scaling up these efforts, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, Ghana can make meaningful strides toward ensuring that clean water and sanitation are accessible to all.

As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for SDG 6, Ghana’s progress offers valuable lessons for other nations facing similar challenges. By addressing the systemic gaps that hinder WASH service delivery and building resilient, community-centered systems, Ghana can not only achieve SDG 6 but also set a precedent for sustainable development in the global south. The path forward is clear: it is time to strengthen the foundations of Ghana’s WASH sector to ensure a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Written by Aliu Fauzia, Advocacy, Campaigns, and Inclusion Manager, and Ing. Perpetual Diabene, Universal Access Program Manager