The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Rotary International signed an agreement on August 23 at the U. S. Embassy in Accra, to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Ghana’s most vulnerable communities.

U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson, USAID-Ghana Mission Director, Andrew Karas, Past Assistant Governor of Rotary International, Ako Odotei, and Past District Governor of Rotary International, Adotei Brown were present at the signing.

This agreement marks the second phase of the partnership between USAID and Rotary International. From 2009 to 2013, USAID and Rotary International cooperated to improve the WASH practices of more than 46,000 people. In this larger second phase, USAID will be providing $16.7 million and Rotary International will be providing $2 million to improve WASH services in deprived urban and rural communities, with an emphasis on supporting access to improved sanitation facilities. Sanitation is a primary focus because 85 percent of the population lacks access to improved sanitation.

“I could not be happier to partner with Rotary International to bring thousands of Ghanaians improved water, sanitation, and hygiene,” said Ambassador Jackson at the signing ceremony. “Together, we will give more children the opportunity to grow into healthy, well nourished, educated, and thriving adults.”

The signing of this agreement furthers the goals of USAID’s integrated Health, Population, and Nutrition Program, which works to improve the health and well-being of Ghanaians, particularly its most vulnerable populations. USAID partners with the Government of Ghana and private sector organizations like Rotary International to achieve sustainable development WASH goals in the country.

Source: 3news.com|Ghana via WASRAG (Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group)