A New Chapter for School Sanitation in Ahafo Ano South West
On the morning of Thursday, December 18, 2025, the atmosphere at St. Peter’s Basic School in Wioso was filled with anticipation. Community leaders, education officials, health officers, teachers, and students gathered under one purpose: to witness the official handover of newly constructed school WASH facilities that promise to transform learning environments across the district.
At the heart of the event was Women’s Health to Wealth (WHW), a non-governmental organisation committed to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools and public institutions. Through its support, four modern WASH facilities were constructed for selected Junior High Schools in the Ahafo Ano South West District — Mankranso D/A A, Kunsu Camp D/A, Wioso St. Peters, and Mpasaaso St. Peters.
Why WASH Matters
In many schools, inadequate sanitation facilities continue to pose serious health risks. Poor hygiene infrastructure contributes to diarrhoeal diseases, absenteeism, and discomfort—especially for adolescent girls. For students, something as basic as access to clean water and proper sanitation can determine whether they remain in school consistently or fall behind.
Addressing this reality was central to Nana Abenaa Akuamoa-Boateng’s vision as Executive Director of WHW. In her remarks, she explained that the project aligns with the organisation’s broader mission: ensuring that schools and public institutions have safe, hygienic, and dignified facilities. She emphasised that investing in WASH is not just about infrastructure—it is about protecting health, promoting attendance, and safeguarding the future of young people.
The newly built facilities are designed to provide students and staff with a safe environment that supports learning while preventing the spread of waterborne and sanitation-related diseases. However, she was clear that sustainability would depend on collective responsibility. She urged both the District Assembly and beneficiary schools to prioritize proper maintenance to ensure long-term impact.
A Shared Commitment to Education and Health
The ceremony reflected strong collaboration between civil society and local government. Hon. Abubakar Sedik, the District Chief Executive, described the intervention as a significant boost to sanitation and education in the district. He assured attendees that the District Assembly is committed to maintaining the facilities and protecting the investment made.
The District Director of Education, Mr. Justin Kwesi Gbotor, highlighted another important milestone: these four units are the first in the district to fully conform to standards set by the Ghana Education Service. According to him, quality WASH infrastructure directly contributes to improved teaching and learning outcomes by creating a healthier, more conducive school environment.
The project’s ripple eff
ect is already visible. The District Coordinating Director, Mr. Agbezudor, announced that the Assembly has been inspired to allocate funds for similar facilities in four additional junior high schools—Afresini D/A, Barniekrom D/A, Kunsu D/A ‘B’, and Wioso D/A—with construction expected to be completed by June 2026.
Community Ownership at the Centre
Traditional leadership also lent its voice to the occasion. Nana Assaw Ababio I, Chief of Wioso, expressed heartfelt appreciation to WHW for its continued commitment to community development. He encouraged students, teachers, and the wider community to take full ownership of the facilities, reminding everyone that sustainability depends on responsible use and care.
To reinforce this commitment, a seven-member School WASH Committee was officially introduced and inducted. The committee—comprising two teachers, two students, two parent representatives, and the community Assembly member—will oversee the proper management and upkeep of the facilities.
More Than a Ceremony
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting and group photographs at 1:00 pm, but the day’s true significance extends far beyond the ceremony itself. What happened at St. Peter’s Basic School in Wioso was not simply the handing over of buildings. It was the handing over of opportunities for healthier classrooms, improved attendance, enhanced student dignity, and a renewed partnership between community stakeholders. For the schools in Ahafo Ano South West, this marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene are not privileges, but standards.
Story by: Kwame Bene-Nkansah Duodu
