MOLE 37 conference WaterAid Ghana Calls for Increased Government Funding for WASH Amid Climate Challenges

By – Gladys Apuweni

WaterAid Ghana has called on the government to increase domestic funding for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services as Ghana confronts growing climate challenges and declining external development assistance

The call was made by Ibrahim Musah, Head of Strategy, policy campaigns and advocacy and with WaterAid Ghana, ahead of the 37th edition of the MOLE Conference, which opened on Sunday, November 1, and runs until Friday, November 6, 2026, at Aqua Safari Resort.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Climate Resilient WASH Service Delivery for Large and Small Communities: Options, Strategies and Actions,” the conference brings together more than 200 participants, including international and national non governmental organisations, community based organisations, WASH practitioners and government representatives, to discuss sustainable approaches to water and sanitation delivery

Mr Musah explained that the conference, organised by the Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS), was established 37 years ago to provide a platform for stakeholders to engage government, influence policies and strengthen WASH service delivery across the country. It derives its name from the Mole Game Reserve in the Savannah Region, where the first edition was held

He said discussions at this year’s conference would focus on four key areas, political leadership and accountability in WASH, innovative financing, WASH services in healthcare and educational institutions, and innovative approaches to service delivery at the community level

According to him, innovative financing has become increasingly important as traditional development partners are no longer providing financial support at previous levels, making it necessary for Ghana to mobilise more domestic resources to sustain WASH services

Mr Musah emphasised that the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, alongside other relevant ministries, have critical roles to play in ensuring adequate funding and effective implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions

He described WaterAid Ghana as a longstanding partner of the MOLE Conference, having supported the initiative financially and technically since its inception. He said the organisation continues to contribute to the conference’s technical discussions and advocacy efforts, with staff and partner organisations participating in the 37th edition

Highlighting the impact of the conference’s advocacy, Mr Musah cited the abolition of the requirement for rural communities to make a five per cent upfront capital contribution towards borehole construction as an important achievement

He attributed the policy change to sustained engagement, publications and dialogue with successive governments.
He expressed hope that the conference would produce clear recommendations and renewed government commitment to financing climate resilient WASH services, particularly for underserved communities

The MOLE Conference remains an important platform for stakeholders to influence policy, exchange practical experiences and develop strategies to ensure that communities across Ghana have access to sustainable and climate resilient water, sanitation and hygiene services

Source – gbcuraonline.com