Advisory Council of World Vision International, Ghana transitioned into an Intermediate Board

The Advisory Council of World Vision International in Ghana has now transitioned into an Intermediate Board, after the World Vision International Board approved its application at a recent meeting. With this exciting news, World Vision International in Ghana, becomes the first National Office with an Intermediate Board in the whole of the West African Region.

The Advisory Council began the transitional processes about 3 to 4 years ago, where the then Chair, Dr. (Mrs.) Adelaide Kastner, led the Council to attain every criteria needed to apply for the status of becoming a board. The criteria for transitioning, just to name a few are; an overall aligned rating from a Peer Review and follow-up report confirming positive progression, an overall acceptable risk audit opinion and the readiness of the Advisory Council to establish a separate legal entity with increased legal authority and responsibility.

Under Dr. Adelaide Kastner’s leadership, the Council was able to submit the required documents and applications (Dossier) to the World Vision International Board through the Global Governance Office. She recently retired as the chair of the Advisory Council on July 31st 2017 after serving on the Board for nine years. Her successor, Mr. Emmanuel Baba Mahama was the past Vice Chair of the Advisory Council and now the Chair of the Board. He has participated in four peer reviews in both Support Offices and National offices across the Partnership.

Mr. Mahama was full of appreciation, thanking everyone who helped in the transition period, from the West African Regional Leader Esther Lehman-Sow, to Governance Advisors (Both Regional and National), past Chair, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Staff. In that same spirit he wrote, “We are deeply indebted to the Lord for His goodness in granting us a successful transition. Not unto us, but to His name be the glory because of His love and faithfulness…We trust that the good Lord who smiled on our efforts will continue to grant us his wisdom and strength to put in the increased commitment and sacrifices required of us as an Intermediate Board to contribute even better to the sustained well-being of the vulnerable children of our country. To God be the glory!”

 

This is just one of the numerous thanksgiving emails from the Board members and the Senior Leadership Team. World Vision International in Ghana is excited about this transition. In Esther’s response to the good news, she stated, “I join my voice to yours to wholeheartedly congratulate WVGHA, especially the Chair and the National Director and their respective teams for the tireless work on this project! I also would like to acknowledge the excellent support received from Pamellah which helped a great deal! May this news be a source of encouragement to all involved to rededicate their involvement with World Vision to serve God's purpose in Ghana!”

What this transition means is that now, the Board would liaise with the West African Regional Leader, in taking decisions on behalf of the Country Office.  The Regional Leader’s responsibility is to make sure the Board’s decisions are always aligned with the Partnership’s policies and standards in pursuit of Our Promise 2030 for the National office. The Regional Leader is part of the Board as a representative of the International President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kevin Jenkins.

The National Director of World Vision International in Ghana, Dickens Thunde, responded to this wonderful news saying, “I would like to share my deepest joy at the news of WVI Board having approved our application to transition from Advisory Council to an Intermediate Board status. Wow! This is no mean achievement…. I salute you all for your contributions that led to this achievement.”

The   Board &   som e Members of the Senior Leadership Team

The new Intermediate Board, led by Mr. Mahama would have to embark on a journey of understanding their new role and the responsibilities that come with it. They would have to work on the Board’s governance documentation to align with all legal requirements in the country. A few other things the Board would have to learn is consulting with the Regional Leader on key issues affecting the National Office including the hiring, conducting performance appraisals and management, releasing of the National Director as well as approving the national office annual budgets.

 

This milestone was achieved through the immerse efforts of the Advisory Council, the Senior Leadership Team and Staff of World Vision International in Ghana. The SLT and Staff of World Vision International in Ghana pray that the good Lord will continue to be with the Board, as they move to the next level of governance and ensure that Our Promise 2030 is a reality for the most vulnerable children of Ghana through the ministry of World Vision.