The Women in WASH Advocacy Network (WinWASH), has congratulated President John Dramani Mahama on his December 7, 2024, election victory, urging him to prioritize Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in his agenda.
In an open letter signed by Nora Ollennu, National Coordinator of the network, the group commended President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to gender equality, highlighted by his appointment of Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The letter emphasized the importance of prioritizing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in the national agenda, noting the critical role WASH played in empowering women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by inadequate services. “Women and girls in many parts of Ghana continue to bear the brunt of WASH challenges from walking long distances to fetch water, to lacking access to adequate sanitation and menstrual hygiene facilities,” it said.
The letter highlighted how inadequate WASH services hindered women’s health, safety, and opportunities for education and economic empowerment, and said that addressing those challenges aligned with President Mahama’s commitment to advancing gender equality. It urged the President to invest in gender-responsive WASH infrastructure, promote women’s leadership in the sector, and collaborate with NGOs by removing bureaucratic barriers.
The letter also called for stronger policies and accountability to enforce WASH regulations, addressing the unique challenges faced by women and vulnerable groups, while supporting climate-resilient WASH solutions. The Network pledged its support to ensure all Ghanaians, particularly women and girls, have access to dignified WASH services.
Source: GNA
