Akatsi: A three-day stakeholders' workshop focusing on decentralised plans for achieving Open Defaecation Free (ODF) status and Safely Managed Sanitation (SMS) Planning Framework for the country has commenced in Akatsi, located in the Volta Region. This event is organized by the Office of the Head of Local Government Service in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Nkum Associates.
According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop is part of the nation's ongoing efforts to eradicate open defecation and enhance sanitation coverage. This initiative continues the development process that began in 2023, during which field assessments were conducted in various Municipal, Metropolitan, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Emmanuel Ikpe Quacou, the Akatsi South Municipal Coordinator, who spoke on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive.
The workshop involves targeted interventions and strategies addressing key focus areas within the prototype phase of the District Planning Framework. Akatsi South is one of three beneficiary areas selected for this exercise, alongside Kpandai and Tamale. These areas represent different levels of local governance-District Assembly, Municipality, and Metropolitan Assembly-to assess the effectiveness of the interventions.
Facilitators will guide participants through understanding the Sustainable Change Model, outcomes of MMDA assessments, and the Draft District Planning Framework. The workshop aims to equip participants with the skills to incorporate new interventions into planning, implementation, reporting, monitoring, evaluation, and the learning processes within MMDAs.
Participants are expected to gain insights into the assessment phase outcomes and the development of focus areas as prototypes. They will also learn to use the sustainable change model to sustain change in planning and implementation processes. The workshop will address introducing incremental changes in developing and planning for ODF, as well as operational and policy implementation strategic changes.
Over 31 selected participants from key institutions and organizations are expected to engage in dialogue on proposed targeted interventions and strategies, focusing on key areas within the prototype phase of the District Planning Framework.
