Upper East Region: Two second cycle schools in the Upper East Region have received solar-powered mechanized water systems from the Centre for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (C-WASH), a WASH-focused non-governmental organization. The initiative is part of the WASH in Senior High Schools (WinSHS) program, funded by the Ernst Peyer Foundation of Switzerland. According to Ghana News Agency, the Saint John's Integrated Senior High School in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality and the Azeem Namoa Senior High Technical School in the Bongo District are the beneficiaries of the water systems. These facilities, consisting of 3,000-litre water storage tanks and chlorine dozers, aim to address the acute water crisis in the schools and improve academic performance. The systems will provide safe drinking water and water for other purposes to 1,559 students and 138 staff at St John's Integrated Senior High School, as well as 766 students and 46 staff at Azeem Namoa Senior High Technical School. The initiative also serves as a model for adoption to combat open defecation, a practice previously prevalent due to inadequate water and sanitation facilities. The water systems are connected to various essential locations such as dormitories, classrooms, offices, and dining halls, ensuring convenient access for both students and staff. During the inauguration of the facilities, Mr. Samuel Vorlashie, Project Manager at C-WASH, highlighted the importance of the intervention in addressing the schools' water shortage, improving sanitation practices, and enhancing academic activities. He noted that the project was a response to a WASH assessment conducted five years ago by the Ernst Peyer Foundation, which identified a significant gap in WASH facilities in senior high schools. Mr. Vorlashie emphasized the goal of eliminating open defecation and promoting hand hygiene practices through the provision of handwashing facilities. He also mentioned plans to support the schools with toilet facilities and urged management to implement a sustainabili ty plan to protect the newly installed systems. Mr. Alex Tsey, Country Representative for Ernst Peyer Foundation, encouraged the schools' management and students to maintain the facilities for long-term benefits. Meanwhile, Mr. Steve Akuba, Headteacher of St John's Integrated Senior High School, expressed gratitude to C-WASH and the Ernst Peyer Foundation for alleviating the school's water challenges, which had previously disrupted academic activities. Students from both schools reported significant relief from the new water systems, as they no longer need to travel long distances for water, a situation that had previously led to conflicts and safety concerns.