In a significant step toward safeguarding public health, selected staff of the Wassa East District Assembly have undergone a rigorous two-day training programme focused on water quality surveillance and safety. The capacity-building workshop, facilitated by the Aquaya Institute Ghana, brought together a multidisciplinary cohort of professionals to strengthen the district’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) framework.
Participants were drawn from key departments including Environmental Health, the District Health Directorate, Development Planning, Community Development and Social Welfare, Works, Information Services, the Statistical Service Unit, the Department of Agriculture, Ghana Water Company, and Numa Water Services. The training blended theoretical instruction with hands-on practical sessions, equipping attendees with critical skills ranging from field sampling to laboratory analysis.
Over the course of the programme, participants received instruction on various water quality parameters and their health implications. They learned how to conduct microbial testing, including E. coli analysis in both laboratory and field settings, as well as how to test physical-chemical parameters such as pH, free chlorine residual, and turbidity. Additional modules covered quality assurance and control procedures, interpretation of test results, water treatment options, and the practical implementation of water quality surveillance.
Afua Gyaama Kissi Ampomah, Senior Programmes Officer at Aquaya Institute Ghana, emphasized that the training was designed to provide participants with deep insight into WASH best practices She encouraged the assembly to formalize a working relationship with Ghana Water Company to sustain improvements in water quality management.
“The knowledge gained here is essential for ensuring that the water consumed by communities is safe. Collaboration between the Assembly and water service providers will be key to long-term success,” Ampomah stated.
Meseret Dessalagne Zerefa, Research Manager at the Institute, guided participants through the various technical sections of the training, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both the science and practical application of water quality testing.
Reinforcing the value of local expertise, Nicholas Henempong Okyere, Regional Water Quality Assurance Manager at the Cape Coast, affirmed the capabilities within Ghana Water Company. “Ghana Water Company can boasts of the best water treatment facilities and professionals in the sector. We produce the highest quality in water production,” he noted.
The training concluded with a certificate ceremony attended by the District Chief Executive, Hon. Alhassan Ibrahim and District Coordinating Director, Mr. Evans Mark Andoh. The two officials jointly presented the certificates, urging participants to serve as ambassadors for water hygiene within their respective departments and communities.
The initiative is expected to enhance the district’s capacity to monitor water quality, prevent waterborne diseases, and ensure safer water delivery for residents across Wassa East.
Credit: Frank Kwabena Danso
District Information Officer
