Accra: Works, Housing and Water Resources Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has emphasised more stakeholder collaboration in the delivery of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. He highlighted that the reallocation of WASH sector responsibilities following the realignment of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) should be viewed as a strategic opportunity to enhance service delivery through deeper stakeholder collaboration.
According to Ghana News Agency, the current Mahama Administration realigned the MSWR to fulfill a campaign promise by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the lead-up to Ghana's 2024 general elections. This realignment, which reduced the number of ministries from 29 to 23, was part of an administrative restructuring initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency and streamlining government operations.
Mr. Adjei, speaking at a recent meeting of actors in WASH service delivery in Accra, remarked: "The dissolution of the erstwhile ministry is a significant development and should serve as a pivot point for strengthening the WASH ecosystem." He encouraged stakeholders to focus constructively on the future rather than dwelling on institutional changes.
The address was delivered at a discussion on the shift of the Water Ministry, organized by World Vision, Ghana (WVG), in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, and other stakeholders. The discussion, part of the 4th Multi-Stakeholder Executive Breakfast initiative, was held under the theme: "The Dissolution of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources: A Strategic Realignment or a Potential Setback."
The objective of the event was to review the realignment of the Water Resources Ministry and propose practical ways to accelerate the delivery of safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in Ghana. Mr. Adjei reiterated the government's commitment to providing safe, sustainable, and inclusive water and sanitation services nationwide.
Emphasizing the need for more collaboration among WASH service providers, Mr. Adjei advocated for effective coordination, harmonized processes, and private sector participation to ensure rapid progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal Six, which seeks universal access to safe water and sanitation. He also commended Ghana's development partners, including WVG, for their support in delivering improved WASH services.
The Minister assured that the government would continue to foster an enabling environment for greater private sector involvement, especially in hard-to-reach and underserved communities. "Our doors are always open for dialogue. We remain committed to partnerships that promote access to safe, affordable, and resilient water systems," he stated.
During the discussion, Mr. Ben Yaw Ampomah, Former Executive Secretary of the Water Resources Commission, expressed concerns that the realignment could negatively impact progress made in Ghana's WASH sector. However, Mr. Jean-Claude Mukadi, the National Director of World Vision, emphasized the importance of prioritizing investment for accelerated and inclusive WASH services delivery, regardless of the ministry's structure.
