Three social innovators – Saha Global, TREND and CONIWAS – have received grant awards totaling US$ 112,000 to implement initiatives that boost access to universal safe and affordable water in Ghana.
The three emerged as finalists of the competitive "Innovation Challenge" launched by the SDG Philanthropy Platform in Ghana to source innovations to contribute to addressing water challenges facing the country.
Speaking at a brief ceremony to outdoor the awardees and their projects, Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Joseph Kofi Adda commended the SDGs Philanthropy Platform for the initiative and the awardees for their insightful proposals, which he believes, would contribute significantly to the attainment of Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Clean water and Sanitation. “We are thrilled to collaborate closely with these actors to advance the SDGs and transform the lives of thousands of Ghanaians”.
Hon. Addah reaffirmed government’s commitment to improve the quality and expand access to safe drinking water in the country.
On his part, UNDP Country Director, Mr. Dominic Sam also congratulated the three finalists. He said UNDP is supporting the initiative to complement the efforts of government and other actors toward the provision of accessible clean water to the population. “Water is closely connected with most of the SDGs, including Goals 3, 4 and 5. Failure to address the water challenges could therefore affect the overall attainment of the global goals”, he added.
With the US$ 32,000 grant, Saha Global seeks to expand access to clean water to the rural poor by utilizing basic materials to treat contaminated water. Women will be trained on how to run the business, mentored over time, and closely monitor water quality and consumption.
CONIWAS, on the other hand, seeks to apply the US$40,000 grant to review and align national standards and guidelines with the SDGs in concert with the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency and other stakeholders. They will also analyze existing boreholes in rural areas and cost the mechanization of all boreholes.
TREND will also apply the US$ 40,000 to promote the concept of Water Safety Plan (WSP) as a key strategy for improving water services delivery in Ghana. They will work closely with the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) to advocate for integration of WSPs in sector activities and develop replicable tools for capacity building within the Sector and within MMDAs to ensure uptake and replicability of the WSP concept.
The SDG Philanthropy Platform will work with the grant winners to develop monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and reporting.