ANAM WASH

Bringing Sustainable Water Solutions to 14 Communities: A New Beginning Under the ANAM Initiative

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 02:20:08 -0700

Fourteen (14) communities in the Asutifi North District Assembly, namely Kojo Nkrumah, Kramokrom, Agravi, Agravi Basic School, Asempanaye, Kwakuri, Amomaso, Akwasi Antwi, No. 1 Akuraa, Donkorkrom,Ama Agyemang, Esinanim, Akosa, and Osei Yawkrom have recently seen a positive change in their access to clean water. Thanks to the ANAM Initiative, supported by World Vision Ghana and funded by the Corad N. Hilton Foundation, these communities now benefit from mechanised water systems powered by solar panels.

While these solar-powered water systems have already made a big difference, the project is moving to the next phase. Instead of being managed solely by community members, the systems will now be professionally managed. This change is aimed at making sure the water systems are well maintained and sustainable in the long run.

To prepare for this shift, a team from the District Assembly, including members from the Planning and Environmental Health departments, visited the communities. Their goal was to explain the new management approach and encourage community members to support it especiallyby understanding the importance of paying for water services to keep the systems running smoothly.

During these visits, many community members shared their excitement.

Amankwa Jackline from Kwakuri said, “Having clean water has really improved our daily lives. Knowing that professionals will take care of the system makes me hopeful it will last for a long time.”

Yaw Adusiei from Donkorkrom added, “We now see why paying for water is important. This new way of managing the system shows that our community’s needs are being taken...Read More

WORLD VISION LEADS ASUNAFO NORTH AND ASUTIFI NORTH IN CREATING VULNERABILITY MATRIX FOR PRO-POOR WATER SUPPORT

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 06:25:14 -0700

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water, World Vision has successfully brought together key stakeholders from the Asutifi North and Asunafo North Districts to develop a Vulnerability Matrix aimed at identifying and supporting the most vulnerable households within their respective WASH projects.

The engagement, which forms part of the broader Professionalisation Management Systems initiative, seeks to ensure that no household is left behind as water systems are improved and expanded. The Vulnerability Matrix will serve as a practical tool through which subsidies can be targeted to households that face significant barriers to accessing safe drinking water.

Participants at the engagementincluded Planning Officers from both Asutifi North and Asunafo North Districts, the District Director of Social Welfare, and a Network Field Officer from Netcentric Campaigns one of the lead partners supporting stakeholder mobilisation under the WashDesk initiative.

Recognising the extensive work that Netcentric Campaigns has undertaken through the WashDesk platform which has successfully built a strong network of stakeholders around WASH advocacy and service delivery. World Vision identified the organisation as a strategic partner in the development and roll out of the Vulnerability Matrix.

The first meeting towards the development of the tool was held on 23rd July, 2025 where stakeholders agreed on the set of variables and indicators to be used in identifying vulnerable households. This was followed by a second and final session on the 14th of August,2025 that enabled the stakeholders to validate the proposed framework and agree on a final template for use at the district level.

With the validation now completed, World Vision plans to...Read More

AQUAYA INSTITUTECONTINUES WATER QUALITY TESTING AND RESULTS DISSEMINATION IN ASUTIFI NORTH

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 06:11:36 -0700

Since 2020, the Aquaya Institute has been conducting routine water quality monitoring across Asutifi North District as part of the Asutifi North Ahonidie Mpomtuo(ANAM) Initiative. Each year, these checks help communities and leaders understand what’s in their water and how to keep it safe.

The October 2024 round followed this tradition, but with a new twist. While previous monitoring focused mainly on microbial contamination, this year’s testing also piloted checks for chemical contaminants a move driven by growing community interest.

The Aquaya teamtogether with District Officers visited 49 schools and 8 health care facilities,testing for Lead,Nitrogen, Arsenic, Fluoride, Cyanide, Cadmium, and Mercury. However, theresults indicated Lead wasdetected at 4% in some samples. Whiles all other chemical components recorded no contamination.

From 5th to 19th August 2025, Aquaya together with representatives from the WashDesk Team engaged 14 communities across the district to share these findings. Engagements included thorough, face-to-face discussions with all affected schools, health facilities, and households. The aim was to explain the results in plain language, address concerns, and agree on practical solutions. Together, communities and facilitators committed to;

Flush watersystems for 30 seconds after water has beensitting for more than 8 hours.
Replace pipes and taps with lead-free, high-quality parts
Continue regular microbial and chemicaltesting to track progress.
Boil drinking water before use in households with microbial contamination such as E.coli.

Moreover, during the community...Read More

ENHANCING WASH SERVICES IN ASUTIFI NORTH THROUGH WATER QUALITY TESTING, RESEARCH, AND CAPACITY-STRENGTHENINGINITIATIVES IN SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 02:41:18 -0800

Water quality remains a critical public health concern in Asutifi North District. In October 2024, the Aquaya Institute, with funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation as part of the ANAM Initiative, conducted chemical and heavy metal testing on drinking water from 50 water points serving schools and healthcare facilities. This initiative was part of the WaterTRACS (Testing, Research, and Capacity Strengthening) program, which aims to improve water safety and inform policy decisions.

To share the findings and engagekey stakeholders, the Asutifi North District Assembly hosted a results dissemination meeting on February 3, 2025. The meeting brought together district officials, Nananom, WASH sector partners, education and health directors, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the outcomes of the study and its implications for water safety in the district.

"Optimizing the value ofwater quality data remains challenging, particularly for small town water
supply systems and as such very important in shaping policies and interventions
to ensure clean and safe water for all."

Following the presentation,community leaders and stakeholders engaged in discussions on the way forward. Nana Saanahene, speaking on behalf of the local leadership, reinforced the need
for immediate action:

"Access to clean water isnot a privilege but a necessity. We must continue to work together with government, researchers, and the community to safeguard our water sources and ensure a healthier future."

To address the identified concerns, key...Read More

TRAINING OFCOMMUNITY LIAISON TEAMS TO MONITOR THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PROFESSIONAL WATERSERVICE PROVIDER IN ASUTIFI NORTH DISTRICT

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 22:44:39 -0800

World Vision Ghana, among other partners in collaboration with the Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council, is implementing the Ahafo Regional Integrated WASH Project in Asutifi North District and Asunafo North Municipality.

One of the key objectives of this project is to professionalize the management of water facilities across the two districts transitioning from community-based management to professional water service providers. This shift aims to enhance efficiency, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of water services.

Six community liaison teams have been formed to ensure community involvement and oversight in this new approach. As part of ongoing efforts, World Vision, in collaboration with the Asutifi North WashDesk team, has commenced a training program to equip these Community Liaison Teams with the necessary skills and knowledge tomonitor the activities of the Professional Water Service Provider.

The Community Liaison Teams will act as intermediaries between professional service providers
and their respective communities, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in water service delivery. Their role includes actively monitoring vendor activities, identifying challenges, and providing
constructive feedback to improve overall service management

Beyond monitoring, the...Read More

Join the Ahafo Water Seeds Programme: A Hackathon for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:34:20 -0800

The quest for sustainable water solutions in the Ahafo Region is more critical than ever, and it calls for innovative minds and passionate hearts. Are you between 18 and 30 years old and eager to dive into the realm of social entrepreneurship with a focus on water? The Ahafo Water Seeds Programme is your platform to shine, offering a unique three-day hackathon that empowers young visionaries to transform ideas into impactful solutions.

Your Idea Could Change the Community

Whether you're brimming with ideas or have pinpointed a community need lacking solutions, this programme is your starting line. It's an opportunity to not only present your ideas but to cultivate them with expert guidance, transforming your vision into reality.

Rewards for Innovation

The journey doesn'tend with the hackathon. Winning teams will be endowed with both technical and financial support to advance their business ideas. Moreover, an exclusive invitation to a subsequent training session in Accra in June awaits, further nurturing your entrepreneurial skills.

How to Participate

Individuals or Teams: Participation is open to individuals or teams. For teams, a single application form suffices, provided all team members' details are thoroughly filled out.
Selection Process: Entry into the programme is competitive, ensuring a diverse and capable group of participants. While all are encouraged to apply, selection will be merit-based to ensure the highest potential impact.
The Anglican Basic School in Kenyasi No.1 has witnessed a significant boost in its sanitation infrastructure with the commissioning of a new toilet facility equipped with a changing room. The facility, which comprises two units of four KVIP toilets, was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by notable dignitaries including the District Chief Executive (DCE), District Coordinating Director, Education Director, Kenyasi No.1 Traditional Authorities, District Assembly Staff and management and pupils of the school.
In his address, the DCE, Hon. Anthony Mensah highlighted the critical need for the toilet facility, emphasizing its role in enhancing the hygiene and health standards of the students. He underscored the importance of continuous supervision and management of the school’s facilities. Additionally, he implored the students to use the new facility with care, to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.
The Education Director, Asantewaa Naomi expressed joy and satisfaction with the completion of the sanitation project, along with other ongoing developments in the district with the education sector especially with providing WASH facilities for schools. In a bid to ensure effective use of the facility, the director provided education on how to use the new toilets. She stressed the need for regular monitoring and supervision to guarantee the facility's long-term utility and maintenance and also cautioned community members present to play a role as watch dogs to avoid community evasion of the facility.
Mr. Opoku Agyemang, the Head Teacher of the Anglican school, expressed profound gratitude to the Management of the District Assembly, the Education Director, and all traditional authorities for their support and contribution towards this significant development. He...Read More

Successful Monthly Water Quality Presentation Strengthens Collaborative Efforts

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 03:21:04 -0800

In a significant stride towards promoting water quality, Aquaya Institute, in collaboration with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) under the Real Water Project on the ANAM Initiative and Ahafo Regional WASH Project, conducted its monthly water quality test results presentation on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

The primary objective of this meeting was to uphold the commitment to ensuring top-notch water quality from service providers. According to Dominic Bampo from KNUST, the latest results revealed the absence of both E. coli and residual chlorine within the recommended range by WHO of 0.2 - 2.0 mg/l in all systems sampled, underscoring the effectiveness of the systems in place.

As part of a concerted effort to enhance participants' capacity, a thorough engagement over the past 9 months focused on explaining the various parameters in their specific results. Wale Azule, a member of the Ntotroso Resettlement management team, expressed the impact of this initiative, stating, "Understanding the parameters has empowered us, positioning us well to effectively communicate results to our customers."

This platform has proven invaluable in fostering mutual learning among participating water systems, particularly in addressing challenges encountered in maintaining water quality. The engaged water systems include Ntotroso Main, Ntotroso Resettlement, Kenyasi No.1 (SWN), Gambia No.2 (SWN), Wamahinso Zongo (SWN), Akrodie, Dadiesoaba, and Kensere Water systems.

This collaborative effort not only ensures the consistent delivery of quality water but also facilitates a knowledge exchange that strengthens the collective resolve to overcome challenges and maintain the highest standards in water provision.

Building on this success,...Read More

ACHIEVERS FUN CLUB REVITALIZES ASUTIFI NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL WITH WEEKEND CLEAN-UP INITIATIVE

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 06:27:34 -0800

In a remarkable display of community solidarity, Achievers Fun Club, a dynamic group of individuals dedicated to fitness and community well-being, turned their weekend aerobics session into a transformative initiative. On Sunday, November 19, 2023, the group converged at the Asutifi North District Hospital, channelling their energy into a thorough clean-up and weeding project that left the hospital premises gleaming.

Beatrice Owusu, apassionate participant in the initiative, expressed her enthusiasm for the community-driven effort, saying, "Being part of Achievers Fun Club has always been about more than just fitness for us. Today, we extended our sense of community to the Asutifi North District Hospital, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all."

Abu Dramani, the team lead for Achievers Fun Club, emphasized the collective impact achievable through such initiatives, stating, "Unity is our strength, and today's clean-up is a testament to what a community can achieve when working together. We hope this sets an example for others to join hands in making positive contributions to our surroundings."

Gozar Sanyo Mensah, the Administrator of the Asutifi North District Hospital, expressed gratitude for the unexpected yet welcomed gesture. "We are truly touched by the initiative taken by Achievers Fun Club. A clean and well-maintained environment is crucial for the well-being of our patients, and their efforts have significantly improved the aesthetics of our hospital grounds. We appreciate their community spirit and willingness to contribute to our shared space."

The Achievers Fun Club's initiativenot only beautified the hospital premises but also showcased the power of community-led actions in...Read More

AHAFO REGIONAL WASH INITIATIVE LAUNCHED TO ACHIEVE UNIVERSALWASH ACCESS BY 2030

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 04:24:34 -0800

In a historic moment, the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with IRC, marked a significant step towards universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services by almost 600,000 people in the Ahafo Region with the official launch of the Ahafo Regional WASH Programme on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

The event showcased the unveiling of the meticulously crafted WASH masterplans for Asunafo North, Asunafo South, and Tano North districts. These masterplans, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and approved by the General Assemblies of the respective districts, serve as a roadmap for strategic interventions.

The Hon. Regional Minister, George Boakye in hisremarks stated that "The launch of the Ahafo Regional WASH Programme is a momentous occasion for our communities. It demonstrates our dedication to ensuring every resident has access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. We are grateful for the collaborative efforts that have brought us to this point."

Country Director, IRC Ghana, Mrs. Vida Duti in a statement indicated that “We are thrilled to witness theofficial launch of the Ahafo Regional WASH Programme. This initiative represents an important step toward achieving our shared goal of universal WASH coverage. We look forward to continued collaboration with the regional and district partners to turn these plans into impactful actions."

With the Ahafo Regional WASH Programme now officially launched, the next phase involves translating the plans into action. Districts will actively engage with potential partners to ensure the...Read More