The government has been urged to establish a National Sanitation Authority (NSA) that will make it easier for the country to effectively manage sanitation issues in the country 

The call was made at the 32nd MOLE XXXII WASH Conference organised by the Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS).

The WASH Technical Coordinator of World Vision International, Mr Yaw Attah Arhin noted that it is urgent and necessary for the country to have such institutions.

He explained that this authority, like many others, will deal with every aspect of the sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices and offenders brought to book.

Mr Arhin who doubles as the Chairman for CONIWAS, said since the Ministry does not have the right and appropriate structures put in place for the implementation of policies at the level of the various MMDCEs, the establishment of the NSA would come in handy to play that critical role. 

"It would be far easier and convenient when the Ministry is able to have the right offices at the basic levels to help in the execution of its objectives and goals," Mr Yaw Attah Arhin noted.

He said issues with sanitation and hygiene will become much easier to handle if the government is able to establish the NSA.

The participants, drawn from most of the NGOs who are members of CONIWAS, hope to at the end of the four-day conference, learn new ways to help both their organisations and government deal with issues relating to sanitation, get the opportunity to advocate for the efficient and effective way of dealing with WASH emergencies as well as get on board the private sector to help improve WASH service delivery.

MOLE XXXII Wash Conference is an annual programme with the participation of NGOs, Academia, CSOs and government to deliberate on possible solutions to policies and practical ways of sustainable WASH delivery in line with national and international WASH and development policies.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. 

CONIWAS aims at working in partnership with sector players to influence policies, remove barriers and promote access to portable water, sanitation and improved hygiene.