Impact of COVID-19 on community-led total sanitation (CLTS) in Ghana: perspectives of implementing partners

Since the adoption of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) in Ghana in 2012, eight (8) partners have been involved in the implementation of the approach in over 140 districts. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for improved sanitation and hygiene practices, the nature and the extent of the impact of the pandemic on the implementation of CLTS remains empirically unclear. This study sought to explore the perceptions and experiences of implementing partners about the impact of COVID-19 on CLTS in Ghana. Using a purposive sampling technique, the study gathered data from 22 representatives using the in-depth interview technique. The study revealed that the implementing partners revealed that the pandemic has had both positive and negative impacts on the implementation of CLTS in Ghana. Negatively, the pandemic stalled the activities of CLTS through the ban on social gathering. On the other hand, the pandemic reinforced the need for CLTS through increased construction and use of handwashing facilities to prevent diseases. To sustain the gains from the pandemic, implementing partners should leverage the existing community-based mass media outlets such as information centres and radio stations to communicate behaviour change messages of CLTS in Ghana.