Accra: The Bono and North East Regions have qualified for the grand finale of the World Vision Ghana 2025 Sanitation Solutions Challenge. Master Kwabena Owusu Nyarko from Berekum Yiadom Boakye Demonstration 'B' in Bono, and Emmanuela Kolbila from Charis Christian Mission School in North East, will represent their regions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the finalists were named the Cocoa and Shea Zones champions after showcasing commendable performances at the 'Master Encounter-Northern Sector School Sanitation Challenge (TRIPLE S)' held in Abesim, near Sunyani. They will compete with two other representatives from the Southern Sector at the grand finale, which is scheduled for December 22 at the Accra International Conference Center.
Mr. Yaw Attah Arhin, the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Technical Specialist at World Vision Ghana, explained the regional categorization: the Cocoa Zone includes Ashanti, Eastern, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions; the Shea Zone encompasses North East, Savanna, Upper East, Upper West, and Northern regions; the Tilapia Zone consists of Greater Accra, Volta, and Oti Regions; and the Coconut Zone comprises Central, Western, and Western North Regions.
The challenge is organized by World Vision Ghana in collaboration with Kings Hall Media, Zoomlion Foundation, Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Local Government and Sanitation, and the Ministry of Water Resources. It aims to provide a platform for students, primarily from Primary Six and Junior High School, to identify sanitation issues, propose solutions, and discuss their impacts.
Mr. Arhin highlighted that the challenge is focused on tackling open defecation and promoting an attitude change towards the environment. The 2025 edition is themed 'Empowering the children to co-create sustainable sanitation solutions,' intending to foster interest in environmental sanitation and sustainability among schools. This initiative is expected to encourage students to become advocates for addressing challenges in the nation's sanitation management, promoting environmental sustainability, and preventing the outbreak of preventable diseases.
