Mrs Levinia Addae-Mensah has taken over the mantle of leadership as the Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) from Dr Chukwuemeka B. Eze.
After successfully rendering a decade of visionary leadership, Dr Eze stepped down as Executive Director of WANEP.
The handing over ceremony, which took place in Accra, was witnessed by distinguished personalities in the peace and security industry such as Mrs Florence Nwawuihe Iheme, Chairperson, WANEP Board; Mr Emmanuel Bombande, a former Executive Director and Co-Founder of WANEP; Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director, Institute for Democratic Governance; Reverend Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman, National Peace Council; and Major General Dr Emmanuel Kotia, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Boundaries Commission, and representatives of the diplomatic community.
Mrs Addae-Mensah, who until her elevation to the new portfolio, was the Deputy Executive Director of WANEP. She is the first woman Executive Director of WANEP.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Addae-Mensah, expressed gratitude to the Almighty God and noted that the transition, which was the third leadership transition in 25 years of WANEP’s existence, was a testament to WANEP’s commitment to practicing what it preaches.
Mrs Addae-Mensah said while she brought varied leadership experience, she had never led from the standpoint of the primary and overall duty bearer of an institution as great as WANEP.
“Today, as I accept to assume the role of Executive Director, I am acutely aware of the legacies of my predecessors,” she stated.
“This task is daunting, but I am motivated by the opportunities for new learning and self-discovery that this new season offers.
“I am encouraged by the strong foundations laid by my predecessors— Dr Sam Doe, Mr Emmanuel Bombande, and Dr Chukwuemeka B. Eze.
“I will build upon your marks even as I create new pathways of success in the face of new challenges.”
She thanked her predecessors for their guidance; saying “I promise to continue the journey of hope, perseverance, hard work, and excellence that WANEP embarked on a quarter of a century ago”.
“As I embark on this new chapter, I am particularly honoured to be the first female to hold this position within WANEP.”
She noted that the milestone was not just a personal achievement but also a symbol of progress for women in leadership across Africa, adding that it reflected their collective commitment to inclusivity and diversity—essential components in the pursuit of peace and security.
Mrs Addae-Mensah further expressed gratitude to the WANEP Board for giving her the chance to lead the organisation; declaring that “thank you for your trust, support, and unwavering commitment to our shared mission”.
“I look forward to working alongside each of you as we embark on this new chapter for WANEP, united in our pursuit of lasting peace and security. I assure you that I will give my all to keep the WANEP flame burning bright.”
Mrs Florence Nwawuihe Iheme, Chairperson, WANEP Board; lauded Dr Chukwuemeka B. Eze, immediate past Executive Director of WANEP, for his visionary leadership and contributions towards the growth of the organisation over the last 17 years, of which he used the last 10 to serve as the Executive Director.
Mr Emmanuel Bombande, a former Executive Director and Co-Founder of WANEP, praised Dr Eze for his works and visionary leadership at WANEP over the past 10 years.
Dr Chukwuemeka B. Eze, immediate past Executive Director of WANEP, in his farewell address, thanked the WANEP Board for giving him the opportunity to serve.
He said some of the successes chalked at WANEP were the building of vibrant human resources and the implementation of the WANEP National Early Warning System, which focuses on enhancing human security in West Africa by detecting and preventing conflicts that could turn violent.
WANEP in citation to honour Dr Eze indicated that “His tenure has been marked by decisive leadership and remarkable achievements, including the significant expansion of WANEP’s impact beyond West Africa.”
WANEP is a leading Regional Peacebuilding organisation founded in 1998 in response to civil wars that plagued West Africa in the 1990s.
GNA