Osama Makkawi Khogali begins his tenure as UNICEF Representative in Ghana

Osama Makkawi, UNICEF Representative in Ghana

ACCRA, 30 June 2023 - Mr Osama Makkawi Khogali has today officially taken up the position as the new UNICEF Representative in Ghana after receiving accreditation from Honourable Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, MP.

Formerly the Representative in Tajikistan, Mr Makkawi Khogali joins the UNICEF office in Ghana in June 2023, as the new Country Programme of Cooperation between UNICEF and Government of Ghana begins this year (2023 to 2027).

“I am honoured to serve as the UNICEF Representative to Ghana. As the first country in the world to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Ghana has long been a pacesetter in the region when it comes to championing child rights. As the Government of Ghana and UNICEF embark on our new joint Programme of Cooperation, I am excited that together we can continue our efforts to ensure that every child and adolescent, particularly the most disadvantaged and excluded, is provided with equitable and inclusive opportunities to fulfil their potential.”

Prior to assuming the role as Representative to Ghana, Osama Makkawi Khogali held the posts of UNICEF Representative to Tajikistan (2020 to 2023), Montenegro (2017 - 2020) and Oman (2013 - 2017). Mr Makkawi Khogali was UNICEF Deputy Representative to Iraq (2009 – 2013), Regional Emergency Specialist for UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Office (2006 to 2009); and served as Principal Emergency Coordinator and in other positions with UNICEF Pakistan Office.

Originally from Sudan, Mr. Makkawi Khogali began his career with UNICEF in Sudan from 1992 to 1998. Mr Khogali also served between 1998 and 2001 as Development and Aid Advisor for the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Sudan.

UNICEF has had a presence in Ghana for just over 40 years, consistently applying its expertise to collaborate with the government and other partners to respect, protect and uphold the rights of the child. With offices in both Accra and Tamale, the sections within the UN child-rights agency include health and nutrition, education, child protection, water sanitation and hygiene, social policy, social protection, supply and procurement, adolescent, gender, youth and innovation, social and behavioural change and advocacy.