The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) on Friday, June 5, 2026, hosted a farewell courtesy call for UNICEF’s outgoing Representative to Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, as he concludes a three-year tenure in the country.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the Commission to acknowledge Mr. Khogali’s leadership and the longstanding partnership between UNICEF and NDPC in advancing Ghana’s development agenda, particularly in areas affecting children and vulnerable populations.
Speaking during the meeting, Director-General of the NDPC, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, described UNICEF as one of Ghana’s most valued development partners. She highlighted the agency’s consistent support for child welfare and inclusive development planning.
“When we are counting our partners, we will count you first before we count the rest. You have been more than a friend,” Dr. Amoah remarked, referencing the depth of collaboration between the two institutions over the years.
She commended Mr. Khogali for his dedication and strategic leadership, noting that his contributions had strengthened development efforts and evidence-based planning in Ghana.
She expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s unwavering support to national development processes and wished him success in his next assignment.
In his farewell remarks, Mr. Khogali reflected on the relationship between UNICEF and the NDPC, describing it as one that extended beyond formal institutional cooperation.
“For me, it has gone beyond that. It has been a human relationship built on transparency, warmth and friendship,” he said.
He cited key areas of collaboration, including Ghana’s hosting of the African Evaluation Conference and joint efforts to strengthen national monitoring and evaluation systems.
According to him, these initiatives have contributed significantly to improving evidence-based policymaking and development planning in the country.
Mr. Khogali also praised Ghana’s commitment to child welfare, noting that with nearly half of the population under 18, investments in children remain critical to sustainable development.
“NDPC has always been a friend of the child. That is a smart choice to make in a democracy,” he stated.
He commended the Commission’s role in coordinating national development planning and ensuring that the needs of children and vulnerable groups remain central to policy discussions.
Although Mr. Khogali will now assume responsibility for UNICEF operations across 12 Caribbean countries, he assured the Commission that his connection with Ghana would remain strong.
“I will not leave you. I will come back, because I strongly believe there is a lot to learn from Ghana,” he affirmed.
The meeting concluded with NDPC officials expressing appreciation for Mr. Khogali’s service and extending best wishes for his new role. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the partnership and advancing development outcomes for Ghana’s children and future generations.
