By Iddi Yire
Accra, Aug 24, GNA – Mrs Levinia Addae-Mensah has taken over as the Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) from Dr Chukwuemeka B. Eze, being the first women to assume the position.
After successfully rendering a decade of visionary leadership, Dr Eze stepped down on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 as the Executive Director of WANEP.
At the handing over ceremony in Accra, he commended the WANEP Board for giving him the opportunity to serve.
For some of the successes chalked, he mentioned the building of a vibrant human resource base 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, said; “His tenure has been marked by decisive leadership and remarkable achievements, including the significant expansion of WANEP’s impact beyond West Africa”.
Mrs Addae-Mensah, in her acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to God for the honour done her, recalling the Biblical statement that “it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God who showeth mercy.”
Until her elevation to the new portfolio, Mrs Addae-Mensah was the Deputy Executive Director of WANEP. She is thus the first woman Executive Director of WANEP.
“Indeed, this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our sight.”
She noted that the transition, which was the third leadership transition in 25 years of WANEP’s existence, was a testament to the Network’s commitment to practicing what it preaches.
While she brought varied leadership experience, she acknowledged that she had never led as the 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.”
Mrs Addae-Mensah commended her predecessors for their guidance and promised 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 honored 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.
“This reflects our collective commitment to inclusivity and diversity—essential components in the pursuit of peace and security,” she said.
She thanked the WANEP Board for giving her the opportunity to lead and pledged to work as a team in pursuit of lasting peace and security.
Mrs Florence Nwawuihe Iheme, Chairperson, WANEP Board, lauded Dr Chukwuemeka Eze for his visionary leadership and contributions towards the growth of the organisation over the last 17 years, of which he was the Executive Director for the last 10 years.
Mr Emmanuel Bombande, a former Executive Director and Co-Founder of WANEP, praised Dr Eze for his works and visionary leadership at WANEP.
WANEP is a leading Regional Peacebuilding organisation founded in 1998 in response to civil wars that plagued West Africa in the 1990s.
The ceremony was witnessed by distinguished personalities in the peace and security industry including 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.
GNA