From Tradition to Toilets — Bongo Chiefs Push Bold Clean Water Agenda
The Bongo Traditional Council has initiated a “Sanitation Challenge” with the goal of eliminating open defecation by the year 2028. In addition, they have established a community-led WASH Fund to construct family latrines and public sanitation facilities. WaterAid Ghana Country Director Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur was also enskinned as the “Kosom Pognaba” or “Queen of Clean Water” during the inaugural event, which took place on November 29, 2025, in recognition of her efforts to address fluoride pollution and broaden access to clean water. The community was urged by Paramount Chief Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum to provide its support to the fund. He emphasized that sanitation and clean water are basic human rights. The Regional Minister has expressed support for the plan, which is based on the Bongo WASH Compact that was signed earlier this year. The minister termed the objective as “bold” but “achievable through collective effort.”
