WANEP NEWS: Issue 8

In its continuous efforts to strengthen organizational governance architecture for increased efficiency, the
West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, WANEP held an inaugural retreat for its board members from the
national networks and the regional secretariat. This is in line with the organization’s conscious transformation
from a project-driven to a vison-driven organization. WANEP’s highest decision-making body, the General
Assembly took a giant step in 2010 to professionalize the WANEP Board both at the national and regional
levels in order to ensure the functionality of the organization as a leading CSO in peace and security in West
Africa.

Mrs. Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, the Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) who
gave the keynote address described the retreat as “an indication that WANEP takes its growth and effectiveness very seriously and demonstrates its willingness to build a lasting institution.” She noted that the composition of WANEP Boards across the region is an array of carefully selected professionals with expertise in different fields and charge them to be committed to delivering the organization’s goals.

The inaugural Board Retreat was specifically to orientate the regional and national board. Chair persons and provide them with the opportunity of understanding the workings of WANEP, expose them to peacebuilding practice within the broader vison of African Union and ECOWAS peace architec.