World Vision launches sanitation campaign in schools

World Vision Ghana has launched a campaign aimed at improving sanitation in schools across the country and the sixth Child Sanitation Diplomat as part of efforts to promote Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) advocacy among young people.

The initiative, which is on the theme, “WASH in schools: A prerequisite for Academic Excellence”, seeks to draw renewed attention to inadequate sanitation facilities in schools and promote stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

The aim is to improve hygiene standards for learners and staff.

At the event, the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, said the ministry recognised the critical importance of WASH in ensuring the well-being of learners and staff members of schools.

The Deputy Minister admitted that the absence of proper sanitary facilities, particularly in basic schools, affected the stability, health and academic performance of learners and educators.

Dr Apaak called on stakeholders and development partners to support the sanitation initiative being championed by World Vision Ghana to improve conditions in schools.

He gave an assurance that the government remained committed to ensuring that every child learned in a safe, hygienic and decent environment conducive for effective teaching and learning.

The Deputy Education Minister stated that the absence of proper sanitary facilities, particularly in basic schools, affects the stability, health and academic performance of learners and educators.

Dr Apaak called on stakeholders and development partners to support the sanitation initiative being championed by World Vision Ghana to improve conditions in schools

He also called on metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) to ensure that schools within their jurisdictions were provided with adequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to safeguard the well-being of pupils and staff.

The Deputy Minister also commended the Child Sanitation Diplomat, Artaldus Sung Kuuntanaa, for initiating the Child Flagship Manifesto Project aimed at addressing WASH challenges within communities.

WASH as foundation for SDG 4 attainment

The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, stressed that quality WASH facilities in schools were essential for the comfort, dignity and well-being of pupils and students.

He said WASH remained foundational to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Four (SDG 4), which focuses on inclusive and quality education.

Mr Asare, however, stated that Ghana’s WASH challenges were not only infrastructural but also a governance issue driven by weak policy implementation and inadequate monitoring of public investments.

He added that many schools facing WASH deficits were government-owned and urged authorities to strengthen accountability systems and ensure the proper use of funds allocated for sanitation projects.

Mr Asare expressed concern about inequalities in the distribution of sanitary pads across districts and regions, describing the situation as alarming.

He called for equitable access to menstrual hygiene products to boost the confidence and school participation of girls nationwide.

Mr Asare urged that WASH be positioned as a foundational intervention for learning, gender equality and improved school participation.

The campaign is expected to strengthen collaboration between the government, civil society organisations and development partners in improving sanitation standards and promoting healthier learning environments in Ghanaian schools.