On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, a water and sanitation workshop was organised at the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly Hall. The event was a collaborative effort between the National Youth Authority (NYA), and the Swiss agency for development and cooperation / International Secretariat for Water. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, heads of Department, Assembly Members, Unit Committee Members, and youth leaders within the Municipality.
The primary goal was to address pressing issues of water scarcity, sanitation, and hygiene within the municipality.
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MADAM JANICE ANAMAN MENSAH (NYA MUNICIPAL YOUTH DIRECTOR, KKMA) AND AMBASSADORS OF THE SWISS AGENCY FOR DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION
Objectives
- To raise awareness about the serious health implications of poor sanitation and waste disposal.
- To provide practical solutions for water purification and managing water shortages.
- To educate community members on proper hygiene and waste management techniques.
- To encourage a sense of collective responsibility for maintaining a clean environment.
- To strengthen the partnership between the community and local authorities.
Activities
The Ambassadors from the Swiss agency for development and cooperation / International Secretariat for Water gave informative presentations on the dangers of indiscriminate defecation and improper waste disposal. They explained the link between choked gutters and the spread of diseases like malaria.
Participants were taught simple, effective methods for purifying water, such as boiling or straining river water to make it safe for drinking. They also learned about proper handwashing techniques with the aid of a hand-washing basin set-up even with limited resources.
Market women and youth leaders shared their experiences about unhygienic conditions and water scarcity. This community dialogue allowed the assembly members to hear firsthand accounts and discuss potential solutions.
HON. GEORGE AHINGWAH, PRESIDING MEMBER OF KKMA PRESENTING SANITATION ITEMS.
The Presiding Member of the Municipal Assembly and other local leaders expressed their support for the initiatives and called on the community to work with them to enforce cleanliness regulations.
A lively interactive question and answer session where participants asked questions and receive clarification on various issues, from waste management to water purification.
Attendees were given educational handouts and leaflets detailing key hygiene practices.
Participants were urged to take personal responsibility for their environment and become an advocate for cleanliness in their respective communities.
Achievements
- Unified stakeholders collaborated to address community sanitation challenges.
- Participants gained practical knowledge for water purification and hygiene.
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YOUTH LEADERS AND OTHER STAKE HOLDERS AT THE WORKSHOP.
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Conclusion
In a nut shell, the workshop was a highly productive event. It underscored that while the challenges of water scarcity and sanitation are significant, they are not insurmountable. The collaboration among all stakeholders has laid a strong foundation for future initiatives.