October 21 - The first ever Mole Conference in Upper East Region opened in Bolgatanga today. Welcoming participants to the region, Hon. James Tiigar, the Upper East Regional Minister commended the Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) for sustaining the Mole series; and for the 26th edition theme, Financing WASH within the SDGs: Options and Strategies", which he described as appropriate and timely. 

He lauded CSOs for their role in the achievement of the MDG for water, which 'is one of Ghana's success stories'. He however, cautioned that the country may not be able to sustain the water gains if sustainability strategies were not put in place. On sanitation, he stated that poor disposal of human excreta and waste had led to spread of diseases such as cholera, malaria, bilharzia and others in some towns and cities. 

Hon. Tiigar indicated that there was hope in the SDG goal 6 that seeks to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation. "This requires every country to have primary responsibility for its own economic and social development" He added. 

On the way forward, the Minister suggested a range strategies including, enforcement of policies; community involvement in policy and project implementation to enable ownership; active participation of CSOs; public financing through innovative resource mobilisation and effective use. Hon. Tiiga called on all to join hands and that the challenge ahead requires a collective and shared responsibility of all stakeholders. 

Marian Don-Chebe, CONIWAS Chair gave highlights on the status of Mole XXV communique. The theme address was presented by Ambassador Donald Adabre, NDPC Representative. The conference was declared formally opened by Mr. Appiah adjei of the Ministry of Finance, after presenting the keynote address on behalf of Mona Quartey, the Deputy Minister of Finance.

Find day-one presentations in the link below-

Session 2 & 3: Sub-Theme 2 & 3 - Sustainable Financing of SDGs