Global Communities Ghana

14/01/2025

Last year, the USAID - US Agency for International Development Enhancing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Activity, implemented by Global Communities Ghana, played a key role in advancing the U.S. Global Water Strategy. By partnering with the Government of Ghana and other key stakeholders, communities gained access to safe, sustainable and climate-resilient water and sanitation services. Read more about this work in the 2024 Global Waters Annual Report: https://bit.ly/40cJxNc

08/01/2025

Driving Sustainability through Social and Behavior Change (SBC)

At Global Communities Ghana, we believe that meaningful development goes beyond infrastructure—it is about empowering communities to take active ownership of their own progress. Recently, our team initiated pre-construction activities in Sakogu, working closely with the East Mamprusi Municipal Assembly (EMMA) in the North East Region of Ghana.

Central to this approach is our focus on SBC. Regularly engaging community leaders and district facilitation teams sparks conversations that shift mindsets, encourage ownership, and inspire long-term positive health outcomes.

These continuous community-led sessions are designed to help community members understand the value of safe water, proper sanitation, and positive hygiene practices. Subsequent Igniting Behavior Change activities will build on these initial engagements, nurturing an environment where sustainable, community-driven solutions can thrive.

03/01/2025

In collaboration with the University for Development Studies (UDS), the USAID funded Enhancing WASH Activity continues to advance groundwater monitoring at seven stations across the Nabogu and Nasia sub-basins across three districts in the Northern region of Ghana.

Through successive rounds of monitoring, our teams have successfully:
✅Retrieved and analyzed data from the data loggers, revealing significant seasonal trends and the effects of climate variability.
✅Monitored parameters such as groundwater levels, temperature, conductivity, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) to assess water quality and availability.
✅Collected rainfall occurrence records from community volunteers, adding valuable context to the data.

These findings are vital for developing informed, sustainable water management strategies. Community volunteers and leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring the success and security of this initiative, which combines cutting-edge technology with local engagement to address water resource challenges.

Together with key partners, Global Communities Ghana is committed to translating this knowledge into sustainable solutions for water security and community well-being.

31/12/2024

Building Capacity and Fostering Local Ownership for Sustainable WASH-IPC in Healthcare Facilities

Through the USAID-funded En-WASH Activity, Global Communities Ghana is empowering healthcare facilities (HCFs) across northern Ghana by building capacity and fostering local ownership for WASH Infection Prevention and Control (WASH-IPC).

By training clinical and non-clinical staff using WHO and UNICEF standard modules, En-WASH equips healthcare workers with the tools and skills to reduce healthcare-associated infections. This includes the implementation of the WASH Facility Improvement Tool (WASHFIT) and Clean Clinics, risk-based frameworks that empower health facilities to maintain clean, safe, and self-sufficient environments.

By engaging District Assemblies, Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and communities, we ensure WASH practices are institutionalized, infrastructure is maintained, and infection prevention is integrated in local governance and planning.

27/12/2024

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Water Management

At Global Communities Ghana, we are committed to ensuring long-term water security through capacity-building initiatives under the USAID-funded En-WASH Activity. The team recently trained Water and Sanitation Management Teams (WSMTs) in Googo and Kubuogo communities on facility management to ensure the sustainability of their new mechanized borehole water systems.

By equipping WSMTs with the skills to identify, assess, monitor, and report potential water contamination risks, En-WASH empowers these local teams to take proactive measures. This approach ensures that experts from Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) can swiftly intervene and address issues, ensuring the safety and functionality of water systems over time.

This initiative helps create long-term solutions for water security and establishes sustainable, community-driven water management models that can be replicated across regions.

23/12/2024

Advancing Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM): Survey Update

The USAID-funded Enhancing WASH Activity M&E team recently completed data collection for a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) follow-up survey. Building on insights from our earlier Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) analysis, this survey focused specifically on school-going girls, addressing gaps in understanding their unique needs and challenges.

Some key insights explored include:
✅Access to menstrual materials in schools and communities.
✅ Private, safe spaces for menstrual management.
✅ Impacts of stigma, education, and resources on attendance and daily activities.

With data from households, schoolgirls, and boys, the survey highlights barriers, cultural attitudes, and preferences. With analysis underway, these insights will guide future menstrual hygiene promotion efforts under the Enhancing WASH Activity.

19/12/2024

Advancing Sanitation and Hygiene in Healthcare Facilities

Global Communities Ghana is excited to announce the successful completion of Institutional Latrines (4-seater WCs) at eight Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in Northern Ghana through the USAID funded Enhancing WASH (En-WASH) Activity.

These facilities, located in Motigu, Yaala No. 2, Buffiamah, Wechiau-Boa, Gurungu, Jempensi, Sunsong, and Kukpalgu communities in the Northern and Upper West regions, will improve sanitation and hygiene services for both patients and staff.

The En-WASH team remains committed to improving WASH services and building resilient, sustainable systems that transform lives in underserved communities.

17/12/2024

Transforming Lives Through Access to Clean Water

At Global Communities Ghana, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable progress of our water facility construction efforts across six project regions—Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, and Oti.

Since the launch of the USAID funded Enhancing WASH Activity, the team has successfully installed 95 water facilities, including pipe schemes, limited mechanization systems, and hand pump boreholes. These facilities now provide 203,880 people with access to basic drinking water services, positively impacting schools, healthcare facilities, communities, and institutions.

These water facilities empower communities to thrive sustainably by improving health, enhancing productivity, and fostering resilience. Together, we are building a future where clean water is accessible to all—one community at a time.

12/12/2024

Empowering Communities with Sustainable Sanitation Solutions

Global Communities Ghana recently conducted an in-service training with Peace Corps Ghana and CorpsAfrica/Ghana, focused on advancing access to safe and sustainable sanitation solutions. Together with Peace Corps Volunteers, CorpsAfrica Volunteers, and community partners, the team constructed five improved household latrines, including Pour Flush, Biodigester, Circular Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP), Rectangular VIP, and Digni-Loo technologies.

Participants received practical training and end-to-end guidance in building these essential sanitation facilities, equipping them with the skills to drive change in their communities. Access to safe sanitation strengthens health, upholds dignity, and builds resilience in communities—this collaboration exemplifies our commitment to these values.

09/12/2024

Strengthening WASH Planning in West Mamprusi

Global Communities Ghana recently supported the West Mamprusi WASH Investment Plan Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in WaleWale, North East Region. Bringing together stakeholders like the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Education Service (GES), water service providers, and local chiefs, the workshop focused on reviewing and validating preliminary data from the district's WASH Investment Plan.

WASH Investment Plans are strategic frameworks that enable Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to plan, implement, and sustain water, sanitation, and hygiene services effectively. Through the USAID funded Enhancing WASH (En-WASH) Activity, the team provides tailored training to empower MMDAs with the skills to develop and market these plans.

This collaborative effort fosters a sense of ownership, strengthens local government planning and budgeting, and ensures that WASH interventions are sustainable and inclusive. We commend the West Mamprusi District Assembly and all partners for their dedication to building resilient WASH systems that leave no one behind.

05/12/2024

26/11/2024

Under the USAID-funded Enhancing WASH Activity, Global Communities Ghana continues to foster partnerships for sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) outcomes.

Our recent engagement with seven Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups in Sagnerigu, Yendi, and Karaga Districts—formed under the USAID Feed the Future Market Systems and Resilience (MSR) Activity—highlighted their 15+ years of success in financial innovation and women’s empowerment. These groups have achieved:
✅ Sustained operations
✅ Linkages with financial institutions
✅ Digitalized operations
✅ Enhanced financial literacy and leadership skills

By integrating WASH initiatives into their operations, these VSLAs can address local sanitation challenges and strengthen private-sector engagement.

We’re excited to build on this learning to deliver impactful, community-driven WASH interventions! 💡💪