The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) signed a historic partnership agreement to improve public health outcomes and environmental sustainability in a short ceremony on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the CWSA's Head office in Accra.
Research, education, and community outreach are among the areas of collaboration between UHAS and CWSA that are outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. The collaboration will specifically concentrate on researching water pollution, evaluating water safety precautions, encouraging good hygiene and sanitation habits, and addressing the presence of some metals in drinking water that endanger the health of communities. Representatives from both institutions expressed their commitment to working together to tackle these complex challenges.
Mr. Aloysius Adjetey, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, emphasized the significance of the partnership in advancing water management and sanitation practices nationwide. "By leveraging the expertise and resources of both organizations, we can develop sustainable solutions to improve water quality and protect public health".
The Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Prof. Lydia Aziato emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing water-related health issues. She stated, "Access to clean water is a vital part of life. UHAS is dedicated to health and community service, we have therefore joined forces with the Community Water and Sanitation Agency to safeguard the health and well-being of our communities".
As part of the partnership, a five-member steering committee was inaugurated to oversee the implementation of the partnership agreement. The Committee, comprising representatives from UHAS and the CWSA, will be responsible for coordinating research activities, organizing educational programs, identifying other possible partners and facilitating community engagement initiatives.
Present at the brief ceremony were Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, Registrar UHAS, Prof. Richard Harry Asmah, Dean of the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences (SBBS) UHAS, Ms. Afia Acheampomaa Duah Esq. Director of Legal Affairs CWSA, Dr. Daniel Elorm Kabotso, Lecturer, SBBS UHAS, Mr. Emeli McCJames Akwensivie, UHAS and Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Adokor of CWSA.
Looking ahead, UHAS and CWSA as partners are optimistic about the impact of their joint efforts in improving environmental sustainability and promoting health of the Ghanaian in the Volta and Oti regions. Through research, education, and community engagement, to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to ensure access to safe and clean water for all and improve health outcomes.
To demonstrate their commitment to this cause, the Chief Executive Officer, CWSA, Mr. Aloysius Adjetey on behalf of CWSA gave a seed money of Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢ 50,000.00) to support student research activities in the areas of water and sanitation.