Bolgatanga: WaterAid Ghana, in collaboration with the Water Resources Commission and partners, has launched the Climate Resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Financing Mechanism (CRWFM) in the Upper East Region. The CRWFM aims to address climate-related WASH vulnerabilities by decentralising funding and empowering local actors to drive sustainable solutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the CRWFM is part of the Securing Water Access Project (SWAP) and focuses on strengthening climate resilience and improving access to WASH services in climate-vulnerable districts. Mr Richard Agbo Ntibrey, the Programme Manager for WASH and Climate at WaterAid Ghana, highlighted that the mechanism would catalyse local climate action while ensuring inclusiveness. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in accelerating local responses to climate challenges, ensuring solutions are grassroots and tailored to local adaptation needs.
The initiative places emphasis on involving marginalised groups, including women, persons with disabilities, Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), Water and Sanitation Management Teams (WSMTs), and other community-based actors. By linking financial support directly to WASH, the scheme prioritises equity-driven and climate-resilient interventions.
Ing. Ntibrey noted that priority projects will include the development and rehabilitation of climate-resilient water infrastructure, adoption of water conservation technologies, promotion of nature-based solutions, and support for climate-adaptive livelihoods. To mark the launch, WaterAid presented GHS400,000 as seed funding, with GHS17,700 disbursed to the Dasabiligo WASH Committee as the first beneficiary group.
Dr Joachim Ayiiwe Abungba, the Chairman of the White Volta Basin Watershed Fund Steering Committee, described the initiative as a significant milestone for the Basin, which was established in September 2024 to strengthen governance and improve water resources management. He assured that the Steering Committee and the Water Resources Commission would continue to support the process to ensure communities fully benefit from the initiative.
Mrs Amaka Godfrey, the Executive Director for International Programmes at WaterAid, praised the Dasabiligo WASH Committee for championing the initiative, highlighting its potential as a model for community-driven initiatives globally. Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, also lauded the initiative, noting its importance in addressing the impacts of climate change already affecting the region.
The governance framework for the CRWFM includes an advisory board and a technical committee with representation from NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector, ensuring transparency, innovation, and alignment with national plans such as Ghana's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).