WinWASH calls for investment in youth-led WASH, climate action

The Women in WASH Advocacy Network (WinWASH) Ghana has called for deliberate and sustained investment in Ghana's youth as partners in sustainable development as Ghana joins the global community to commemorate International Youth Day 2026.

In a press statement to mark the day, on the theme "Empowering Ghana's Youth to Lead Sustainable Development Through Inclusive WASH and Climate Action", WinWASH celebrated the resilience, creativity and leadership potential of young people and called for greater investment in their health, education, skills development, livelihoods and meaningful participation in decision-making.

With more than half of Ghana's population under the age of 35, the Network noted that young people remain the country's greatest asset for achieving sustainable development. Yet, it said, many continue to face systemic barriers that limit their ability to thrive and contribute fully to national development.

WinWASH identified youth unemployment and underemployment, limited access to quality education and market-relevant skills, mental health challenges, gender inequality, climate change impacts, digital exclusion and limited participation in governance as persistent concerns.

These challenges, it said, are further compounded by inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, particularly in underserved communities, schools and other public spaces.

"For young women and girls, inadequate menstrual health and hygiene services, unsafe sanitation facilities and gender-based discrimination can undermine their education, dignity, health and economic opportunities. Addressing these challenges is critical to unlocking the full potential of Ghana's youth," the statement said.

WinWASH said empowering young people requires coordinated, multi-sectoral action by government, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, educational institutions, communities and families.

The network therefore called for six urgent policy actions: Skills for the Future of Work: Increased investment in quality education, technical and vocational training, entrepreneurship and digital skills to prepare young people for emerging opportunities.

Youth-Friendly Health Services: Greater access to youth-friendly health services, including mental health support and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and services.

Inclusive WASH Services: Improved access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, including menstrual health and hygiene services, in schools, workplaces and communities.

Participation in Governance: Stronger youth participation in decision-making, particularly in climate action, environmental sustainability, WASH governance and community development.

Leadership for Young Women: Greater opportunities for young women and girls to assume leadership roles and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, environmental sustainability and the WASH sector.

Youth as Climate Innovators: Meaningful inclusion of young people in climate and environmental initiatives, recognising them not merely as beneficiaries but as innovators, advocates and partners in developing sustainable solutions.

While institutions have a responsibility to create an enabling environment, WinWASH stressed that young people also have a critical role to play in shaping Ghana's future.

It encouraged young people to advocate for good sanitation, environmental cleanliness and responsible water use in their communities; develop practical and market-relevant skills through education, volunteering, apprenticeships and continuous learning; and use digital platforms responsibly to educate peers, counter misinformation and promote positive social change.

The network further urged the youth to participate actively in community development, youth organisations, civic activities and local decision-making processes; champion climate action through responsible waste management, recycling, conservation and protection of water resources; and promote gender equality and inclusive spaces where young women and men can participate equally.

It also challenged young people to deploy their creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship to develop solutions to social, environmental and economic challenges confronting their communities.

WinWASH emphasised that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development interventions but innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, leaders and partners in building sustainable communities.

"Their voices, ideas and lived experiences must be reflected in policies, programmes and investments that affect their lives," the statement stressed.

On the occasion of International Youth Day 2026, WinWASH reaffirmed its commitment to working with young people, government institutions, civil society organisations, schools, communities and development partners to advance inclusive WASH services, gender equality, climate resilience and meaningful youth participation across Ghana.

It urged all stakeholders to move beyond consultations and create concrete opportunities for young people to lead, participate, innovate and influence decisions at national, regional, district and community levels.

"Investing in young people today is investing in a healthier, more inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable Ghana tomorrow," WinWASH added.