Rethinking decentralisation of WASH services in Ghana

6 November 2017

Ghana, Sustainability, Monitoring and accountability

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WASH and decentralisation in Ghana

Amina Kombat (left) and Rahama Ishawa in front of latrines built by WaterAid with funding from HSBC Malta on 10 November 2015 at a senior high school in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Image: WaterAid/ Nyani Quarmyne/ Panos

Rethinking decentralisation of WASH services in Ghana: strengthening local assemblies to deliver services for all.

Local Government Administrations or Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are central to the WASH governance system in Ghana.

In 2014, WaterAid Ghana conducted a study to review the district-wide approach as a mechanism for delivering sustainable and inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)services for all by 2030. The review found that deeper issues and blockages to the successful operations of district governments exist, despite sector reforms dating back to 1984.

This paper summarises aspects of the research, and includes proposed policy recommendations for the Government of Ghana, relevant ministries, development partners,and the MMDAs to strengthen delivery of sustainable WASH services closer to the people.