Ghana: World Bank invites civil society to monitor its water and sanitation projects

Updated - Friday 03 April 2009

The World Bank will provide up to US$ 1.2 billion (€ 887 million) in interest-free loans to Ghana over the next three years, and has launched a landmark initiative that challenges civil society organizations and other citizens’ groups to help deepen transparency and accountability by monitoring the implementation of Bank-funded projects in the country.

The target sectors for this future lending, according to the Bank’s Country Director for Ghana, Ishac Diwan, are water and sanitation, agriculture and fisheries, energy, natural resource management, transport and budget support.

Three umbrella organizations decided to monitor projects: The National Coalition of NGOs in Waste Management (NACONWAM) will monitor the Second Urban Environmental Sanitation Project; the Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation CONIWAS will monitor the Urban Water Project; and the Integrated Social Development Center (ISODEC) will monitor the Poverty Reduction Support Credits.

World Bank’s Vice President for Africa, Ms Obiageli Ezekwesili reiterated the importance of citizens’ participation in the development processes in complementing government efforts in finding solutions to Ghana’s macroeconomic challenges.

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