By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Accra, March 09, GNA – Mr Frederick Tei-Nobi, the Acting Country Director, Plan International Ghana, has announced the allocation of €1,360,603 for the second phase of its Integrated Package for Sustainable Development (I-PADEV) Project.
He said the project aimed at improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in selected communities in the Oti and Upper West Regions.
The 32-month Phase Two of the project would directly benefit 14,766 people in 16 communities across the Guan District in the Oti Region and the Wa East District in the Upper West Region, with a strong focus on schools, vulnerable girls and women.
Mr Tei-Nobi made this known at the official launch of the I-PADEV Phase II Project, following the successful implementation of Phase One in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti Region and the West Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region.
He said Phase One, implemented over the past three years, had recorded significant achievements, particularly in improving access to safe water, sanitation and hand hygiene services, leading to improved health and learning outcomes for children, especially girls.
“Building on the successes of the first phase, this second phase will expand access to quality WASH services and create resilient, protective environments both at home and in schools,” Mr Tei-Nobi stated.
He explained that a major portion of the budget would be invested in school WASH infrastructure, including the provision of basic and gender-responsive sanitation facilities to enhance learning outcomes, particularly for adolescent girls.
According to him, the project would also promote Early Childhood Care and Development by strengthening healthcare services and encouraging gender-responsive parenting practices at the household and community levels.
A key component of the project, Mr Tei-Nobi said, was Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), which would see the construction of girl‑friendly and inclusive toilets in schools, the distribution of reusable sanitary pads, and the training of Menstrual Hygiene Ambassadors.
He added that Parent‑Teacher Associations (PTAs) and School Management Committees (SMCs) would be actively involved to ensure the sustainability and proper maintenance of WASH facilities.
The project would further establish the ‘REAL’ Fathers Clubs and implement targeted social behaviour change interventions to promote positive hygiene, health and parenting practices within beneficiary communities.
Beyond health and education, Mr Tei-Nobi announced that the project would also create livelihood opportunities for young women, including the formation of peer support groups and the development of a hand pump maintenance ecosystem to promote economic empowerment and long-term sustainability.
He reaffirmed Plan International Ghana’s commitment to working closely with government agencies, local authorities, civil society organisations and community members to ensure effective implementation and lasting impact.
“Together, we can bring meaningful change and create a brighter, healthier future for the people of the Oti and Upper West regions,” he said.
Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Member of Parliament for the Wa East Constituency and Chairperson of the programme, commended Plan International Ghana for its consistent interventions in the northern part of the country.
“Water is life and Plan International Ghana has been excellent at it. Almost every community intervention in Sissala and many parts of the North has Plan’s inscription on it,” he said, describing the organisation’s impact as “immeasurable.”
Mrs Ellen Gyekye, Programmes Officer for School Health at the Ghana Education Service (GES), said the Service was pleased to be associated with Phase Two of the project, noting that school children stood to benefit the most.
She highlighted Plan International Ghana’s contributions to school infrastructure, including disability‑friendly changing rooms for girls and washrooms for boys, as well as improvements in hygiene and menstrual health education.
“These interventions have improved health outcomes and supported school retention and transition, especially for girls who might otherwise have dropped out,” she said, assuring the NGO of the GES’ continued support for the project.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, representatives of partner organisations, officials from Germany, and other civil society actors.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba