The outgoing UNICEF Country Representative to Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has paid a farewell visit to the University for Development Studies (UDS), bringing to a close a significant chapter of collaboration between UNICEF Ghana and the University.

The visit, which took place at the office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elliot Haruna Alhassan, provided an opportunity for both institutions to reflect on the gains made through their partnership and to reaffirm their shared commitment to research, advocacy and community development.

Mr. Khogali expressed appreciation to UDS for what he described as its open, productive and impactful collaboration with UNICEF over the past three years. He noted that the partnership had demonstrated the power of linking academic research with practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of children, women and vulnerable communities.

“The collaboration with UDS has been meaningful and deeply appreciated,” Mr. Khogali said. “It has shown what is possible when academic institutions and development partners work together with a common purpose.”

The farewell engagement also highlighted the progress made since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between UDS and UNICEF. The MoU has served as a framework for cooperation in areas that connect research, policy, advocacy and community-based development.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the University, Prof. Elliot Haruna Alhassan commended Mr. Khogali for his dedicated service to Ghana and for his personal commitment to strengthening UNICEF’s partnership with UDS.

He said the University valued the relationship with UNICEF and remained committed to using its expertise, research capacity and community engagement structures to support interventions that promote the welfare of children and vulnerable populations.

“UDS is a university that was established to respond to the development needs of society,” Prof. Alhassan said. “Our partnership with UNICEF is therefore fully aligned with our mandate, and we are grateful for the confidence UNICEF continues to repose in the University.”

As part of the farewell ceremony, Prof. Alhassan, on behalf of the University, presented Mr. Khogali with a beautifully woven traditional smock in recognition of his service, friendship and contribution to the UDS-UNICEF partnership. The gesture was particularly symbolic, as the visit took place on a Wednesday, a day widely associated with the wearing of smocks in celebration of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

In return, Mr. Khogali presented the University with a specially branded UNICEF package, describing it as a symbol of enduring partnership, shared values and continued commitment to the wellbeing of vulnerable communities.

Discussions during the visit focused on critical areas where academic research and evidence-based advocacy could continue to support social change. These included the use of scientific data to address child welfare within marginalised communities, the role of nutrition advocacy in combating micronutrient deficiencies, and the need for research into environmental health challenges such as heavy metal exposure and their impact on maternal and newborn health.

Mr. Khogali emphasized that universities such as UDS have an important role to play in challenging harmful cultural narratives and promoting interventions that are grounded in evidence, dignity and inclusion.

“Academic research must continue to speak to the real needs of communities,” he said. “It must help protect children, empower families and provide evidence for decisions that improve lives.”

In a reflective and inspiring address, Mr. Khogali spoke about the changing story of Africa and the need for the continent to move forward with confidence.

“Look at this room, how many professors and PhD holders are here today? This is the New Africa, and the world has to know it,” he remarked. “We have come a very long way, and we cannot afford to slide back. There is no going back, only forward.”

Mr. Khogali also announced that his next assignment would take him to the Caribbean, where he will oversee UNICEF operations across 12 countries from a main base in Kingston, Jamaica. He noted, however, that the development challenges and aspirations of different regions remained connected by a shared commitment to human dignity, equity and opportunity.

Before his departure, Mr. Khogali introduced his successor, Mr. Andrew Brooks, who has received official government approval and is expected to assume office as UNICEF Country Representative to Ghana around the summer break.

He expressed confidence that UDS would extend to Mr. Brooks the same warmth, openness and collaborative spirit that had defined the University’s relationship with him.

“I am confident that this partnership will not only continue, but grow even stronger,” Mr. Khogali said. “UDS has been a reliable partner, and I trust that the next phase will build on the strong foundation we have laid together.”

The University for Development Studies expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali for his visionary leadership, passionate service and friendship to the University. UDS also reaffirmed its readiness to continue working closely with UNICEF Ghana in advancing research, advocacy and practical interventions that improve the lives of children, women and vulnerable communities.

Story by:
Fabian Kwaku Nwidei
UDS Media