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The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, and Ghana’s Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Dr. Freda Prempeh, have jointly unveiled the U.S. Global Water Strategy High Priority Country Plan for Ghana. This plan outlines an investment of approximately $100 million in Ghana’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector over the next five years, building upon the $89 million invested since 2009 by USAID.
In Ghana, inadequate WASH services have had detrimental effects on health, education, and economic development, with significant regional disparities in access to these services. Access to clean water ranges from 98% in the Greater Accra Region to 55% in the North East Region. Furthermore, open defecation rates are relatively high, with the national average in rural areas slightly exceeding 30%, while the five regions in northern Ghana have open defecation rates exceeding 50%.
Ambassador Palmer, in discussions with the media, reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s WASH sector. She emphasized, “The United States government is committed to continuing our partnership to ensure that every person in Ghana has access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, which will enhance health and drive economic development. Together, we will work towards ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.”
Source:Omanghana.com
