Dr Whittal hands over NNHRI-WA leadership to Dr Ojukwu
The immediate past President of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA), Dr Joseph Whittal, has formally handed over leadership of the regional body to the Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Dr Anthony Ojukwu, after serving two terms in office.
The NNHRI-WA was established in 2006 under the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen national human rights institutions and promote human rights across member states.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony in Accra yesterday, Dr Whittal, who is also the Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), said the transition provided an opportunity to reflect on the network’s achievements and chart a path for the future.
He recalled that upon assuming office in 2019 after his election in Accra, his goal was to strengthen solidarity among national human rights institutions in the sub-region and enhance the effectiveness of the network.
Dr Whittal noted that despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the network remained active through virtual engagements and regional collaborations aimed at promoting and protecting human rights.
He highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the successful transfer of the network’s secretariat from Nigeria to Ghana, its registration under Ghanaian law, and the establishment of financial and administrative systems to strengthen its operations.
He explained that the network organised regional teleconferences during the pandemic in collaboration with partners such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), ECOWAS and the G5 Sahel, which enabled member institutions to share experiences and best practices.
Dr Whittal also cited election observation missions in Guinea, Ghana, Liberia and The Gambia, describing them as significant contributions to promoting peaceful, transparent and inclusive electoral processes in the sub-region.
He further indicated that the network advanced constitutional reforms, culminating in the adoption of a new constitution in Abuja, Nigeria, in July 2025.
Dr Whittal commended CHRAJ for hosting the secretariat and providing office space, personnel and administrative support, and expressed appreciation to ECOWAS, OHCHR and other development partners for their technical and financial assistance.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr Ojukwu expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor.
He acknowledged the support of CHRAJ and development partners and called for sustained collaboration to strengthen the capacity of national human rights institutions across the region.
Dr Ojukwu described the smooth transition as a positive example of institutional continuity and assured members that the new leadership would work to consolidate the gains made while addressing emerging human rights challenges in West Africa.
The Head of Democracy and Good Governance at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Ebenezer Asiedu, commended Dr Whittal for his leadership and assured the network of the Commission’s continued support.
He pledged to maintain and deepen cooperation between ECOWAS and the network under the new administration.
BY ESINAM JEMIMA KUATSINU
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
