A pupil of Elmina Methodist Junior High School in the Central Region, Miss Nabeeha Sulemana Atiah, has been crowned the 2026–2027 Child Sanitation Diplomat after emerging winner of the Seventh Sanitation Solutions (Triple S) Challenge.
Nabeeha defeated three other finalists in a keenly contested quiz at the National Theatre in Accra to earn the title and take on a year-long role in promoting environmental sanitation among children and communities.
Her victory sparked celebrations among her schoolmates, teachers and relatives, who sang, danced and applauded after her name was announced as the winner.
As part of her prize, Nabeeha received a laptop, plaque, cash prize and other souvenirs, in addition to a sash officially recognising her as the Child Sanitation Diplomat.
She will also receive support to implement a one-year environmental sanitation project, giving her an opportunity to translate the knowledge and ideas gained from the competition into practical action.
The competition, organised by World Vision Ghana and its partners, is designed to provide schoolchildren with a platform to develop and promote sustainable solutions to sanitation challenges.
The three other finalists were Candi Dasanah Mwini-Maloo of Star of God Roman Catholic Junior High School in Wa; Nyarko Nhyira Dede of St Anthony Roman Catholic School in Nkawkaw; and Afua Agyeibea Arko of Bethany Methodist Basic School in Accra.
They received plaques, cash prizes and other souvenirs for their participation.
Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, said Nabeeha’s achievement demonstrated the potential of young people to influence positive change in their communities.
She commended World Vision Ghana and its partners for sustaining the competition over the past seven years, describing it as more than a contest but an investment in the values, knowledge and leadership qualities needed to shape the country’s future.
Madam Odoley Sowah urged children to see sanitation as a personal responsibility and encouraged them to become advocates for clean surroundings in their schools, homes and communities.
“You are not too young to make a difference,” she told the schoolchildren, urging them to keep their schools clean, protect the environment and inspire others to adopt responsible sanitation practices.
She also encouraged pupils to speak up when schools lacked essential sanitation facilities, including toilets and changing rooms for girls, and to challenge adults who littered public spaces.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, said environmental cleanliness was critical to the development and promotion of tourism.
She urged adults to demonstrate responsible environmental practices to children and called on religious leaders to use their platforms to promote sanitation awareness.
In a speech read on his behalf, Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, described sanitation as a public good and called for collective efforts by government, communities and other stakeholders to improve sanitation.
The award ceremony was preceded by the Fifth Children Sanitation Festival 2026, where children showcased sanitation messages through exhibitions, drama, music, poetry, storytelling and choreography.
Nabeeha’s new role is expected to provide her with a platform to champion sanitation awareness and encourage other children to participate actively in efforts to create cleaner and healthier communities.
