The United States, via the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has unveiled plans to inject $100 million into Ghana’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector over the next five years. This substantial investment comes as an addition to the $89 million already allocated by USAID since 2009.
This announcement was made during the launch of the U.S. Global Water Strategy High Priority Country Plan for Ghana in Accra on Friday, October 27. Part of the plan involves rallying an additional $20 million from both public and private sectors within Ghana over the next five years.
During the launch, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, together with Ghana’s Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Dr. Freda Prempeh, expressed unwavering support for the nation’s WASH sector. Ambassador Palmer emphasized the importance of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for the populace’s well-being and economic growth.
Emphasizing the significance of water security, Ambassador Palmer highlighted its role in public health, economic development, and societal resilience against global stressors. The U.S. Government recognizes the criticality of strong water, sanitation, and hygiene services in navigating challenges such as pandemics and climate change.
The inadequacy of WASH services significantly impacts health, education, and economic progress, especially with pronounced regional disparities in Ghana. Access to clean water, for instance, ranges from 98% in the Greater Accra Region to 55% in the North East Region. Meanwhile, the prevalence of open defecation is relatively higher in the northern regions, exceeding 50%, compared to the national rural average of a little over 30%.
The U.S. Government designated Ghana as one of the High Priority Countries for increased WASH investments since 2020. Notably, the Biden-Harris Administration has made water a top priority in national security and foreign policy, evident through the launch of the White House Action Plan on Global Water Security.
USAID’s pivotal role in Ghana’s WASH sector since 2009 has significantly contributed to public health enhancement. The agency’s aim is to extend safe and sustainable drinking water and sanitation services to an additional 1 million Ghanaians by 2027.
Expressing gratitude, Ghana’s Minister of Sanitation recognized the extensive support provided by the U.S. government across various sectors, including WASH. The minister outlined key policy reforms intended to bolster the availability of affordable, safe, and dependable clean water while improving sanitation and hygiene in the country.