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Young Sanitation Diplomat Urges Youth to Lead Cleanliness Charge

Introduction

In a powerful appeal for community-driven change, a young student leader has called upon the youth of Ghana to take the helm in the fight for improved sanitation and hygiene. Speaking at the closing ceremony of a major development initiative, the “Child Sanitation Diplomat” emphasized that the younger generation holds the key to a cleaner, healthier future. This event, held in Accra, marked the conclusion of a three-year project focused on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), highlighting the critical intersection of youth advocacy, public health, and sustainable development.

Key Points

Background

The call to action was delivered by Artaldus Sung Kuuntanaa, a student at the Accra College of Education Demonstration School, who serves as a Child Sanitation Diplomat. His speech took place at the Monarch Hotel in East Legon, Accra, during the official close-out of Plan International Ghana’s I-PADEV Project.

The I-PADEV Project

Spanning three years and concluding in December 2025, the I-PADEV Project was a comprehensive initiative designed to improve living conditions in rural and underserved areas. The project targeted specific geographical locations, reaching 20 communities across the West Mamprusi and Jasikan municipalities. Its primary goal was to ensure that schools possessed safe sanitation facilities and that communities could live with dignity and improved health standards.

Analysis

The urgency of this initiative is backed by stark data presented by Mr. Constant Tchona, the Country Director of Plan International Ghana. The statistics reveal a sanitation crisis that goes beyond mere inconvenience, posing severe risks to public health and social development.

The Sanitation Crisis in Numbers

According to data from the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) dated March 2023, the state of sanitation in Ghana is precarious. Only 25% of Ghanaians have access to basic sanitation facilities. The majority of the population relies on shared latrines (56%), while a concerning 1% use unimproved facilities. Most alarmingly, 18% of the population practices open defecation.

Health Implications and Vulnerability

These figures translate directly into health hazards. The data suggests that three out of every four families are at risk of consuming water contaminated with fecal matter. This contamination is a direct result of insufficient sanitation infrastructure and poor hygiene practices. Furthermore, the burden of this crisis is not shared equally; nearly 90% of those practicing open defecation belong to the poorest households, exacerbating the cycle of poverty and disease.

Practical Advice

Based on the insights from the I-PADEV Project and the advocacy of the Child Sanitation Diplomat, here are practical steps for communities and individuals to sustain sanitation improvements:

For Community Leaders

Establish Maintenance Committees: As promised by Togbui Azameti II, traditional authorities must take ownership of infrastructure. Creating local committees responsible for the upkeep of boreholes and latrines ensures longevity.

Promote Behavioral Change: Infrastructure alone is not enough. Leaders must continuously advocate for hygiene education, ensuring that the “usage” matches the “availability” of facilities.

For Young People and Students

Become Sanitation Ambassadors: Young people should emulate the example of Artaldus Sung Kuuntanaa. This involves practicing good hygiene personally and inspiring peers to do the same.

Advocate for WASH in Schools: Students can form sanitation clubs to lobby for clean toilets and handwashing stations in their educational institutions, directly impacting classroom attendance and health.

For Families

Adopt Safe Water Practices: Even with improved boreholes, families should be educated on safe water storage to prevent re-contamination in the home.

Support Girls’ Hygiene: Utilizing resources like the reusable sanitary pads provided by the project helps ensure that girls do not miss school due to menstrual hygiene management issues.

FAQ

Conclusion

The conclusion of the I-PADEV Project serves not as an end, but as a beginning for sustained community action. The call by Artaldus Sung Kuuntanaa highlights a vital truth: while infrastructure projects provide the tools, it is the people—specifically the youth—who must wield them to build a culture of cleanliness. By addressing the sanitation gap, Ghana can protect its water sources, safeguard the health of its families, and empower its women and girls to thrive. The transition from open defecation to dignity, as described by local chiefs, represents a tangible victory for public health and human rights.