World Vision launches sanitation campaign in schools
World Vision Ghana has launched a nationwide campaign to improve sanitation in schools and unveiled the sixth Child Sanitation Diplomat as part of efforts to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) advocacy among young people.
The initiative, themed “WASH in Schools: A Prerequisite for Academic Excellence,” seeks to refocus attention on poor sanitation conditions in educational institutions and encourage stronger collaboration among stakeholders to enhance hygiene standards for both students and staff.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak underscored the ministry’s recognition of WASH as essential to the well-being of learners and educators. He noted that inadequate sanitation facilities, particularly in basic schools, negatively affect health, stability, and academic performance.
Dr. Apaak appealed to stakeholders and development partners to support World Vision Ghana’s initiative, assuring that government remains committed to providing safe, hygienic, and conducive learning environments for all pupils.
He further urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure that schools in their areas are equipped with adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities to protect the welfare of learners and teachers.
He also commended Child Sanitation Diplomat Artaldus Sung Kuuntanaa for championing the Child Flagship Manifesto Project, which addresses WASH challenges at the community level.
The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, also highlighted the importance of proper WASH infrastructure in schools, describing it as vital to the comfort, dignity, and well-being of students. He stressed that WASH is central to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on quality and inclusive education.
However, Mr. Asare noted that Ghana’s WASH challenges are not only infrastructural but also stem from governance gaps, weak policy implementation, and poor monitoring of public investments. He called for stronger accountability systems to ensure proper use of funds allocated for sanitation projects, especially in government-owned schools.
He also raised concerns about unequal distribution of sanitary pads across regions, calling for fair access to menstrual hygiene products to improve girls’ participation and confidence in school.
The campaign is expected to deepen collaboration between government, civil society, and development partners to improve sanitation standards and create healthier learning environments across Ghanaian schools.
Source: Graphic Online
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