The UNICEF Ghana Country Representative, Osama Makkawi Khogali, has commended World Vision Ghana (WVG) for its sustained commitment to advancing child welfare and urged the organisation to continue serving as a strong advocate for children’s rights across the country.

During a courtesy visit with World Vision Ghana’s National Director, Dr Tinah Mukundah, Mr Khogali emphasised the urgent need for coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts to address the increasingly complex challenges affecting children in Ghana.

He noted that issues such as maternal mortality, poor learning outcomes, and child protection gaps require integrated solutions and stronger partnerships among government, civil society, and development actors.

“Everything is connected — health, education, protection, social protection, and economic inclusion,” Mr Khogali stated.

“Only through collaborative engagement can we achieve sustainable gains for children.”

UNICEF, which has operated in Ghana for over four decades, works closely with the Government of Ghana and partners to promote child rights through programmes in health and nutrition, education, WASH, child protection, social policy, adolescent engagement, gender, advocacy, and behavioural change.

The Country Representative referenced the recent Strategic Planning Retreat held in Akosombo, which produced seven “Calls to Action” to accelerate child-centred progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He urged partners to maintain momentum and translate strategic commitments into measurable results.

Mr Khogali also highlighted the importance of investing in maternal and newborn health, noting that despite progress, maternal and child mortality remain critical concerns.

He called for sustained policy attention and the continuity of social protection, particularly for pregnant women and vulnerable households.

“Investing in Ghana’s children is not only humane; it is smart development,” he stressed.

In response, Dr Tinah Mukundah reaffirmed World Vision Ghana’s commitment to child-focused advocacy, service delivery, and systems strengthening.

She noted that WVG’s transformational development model is built on empowering children and their families while influencing policies that protect and uplift the most vulnerable.

World Vision Ghana’s child programming spans child protection, health and nutrition, education, WASH, and household economic strengthening.

Through its Area Programme approach, WVG partners with communities, local government structures, and national stakeholders to deliver sustainable impact.

Key interventions include strengthening community-based child protection systems, improving maternal and child health outcomes, enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy, expanding access to safe water and sanitation, and supporting livelihoods to build household resilience.

“Our focus is on empowering children and partnering with institutions to better serve them,” Dr Mukundah stated.

“We are committed to partnering with UNICEF and all partners to ensure inclusive development that leaves no child behind.”

The meeting underscored the shared vision between UNICEF and World Vision Ghana to champion children’s rights, accelerate progress toward the SDGs, and ensure that every child in Ghana has the opportunity to survive, learn, and thrive.

Through strategic partnerships, evidence-based planning, and collective action, both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to building a future where children’s voices are heard and their well-being remains a national priority.