Tinah Mukunda’s First Glimpse at Northern Operation as National Director

As the white World Vision Ghana vehicle pulled into the Northern Operations and G-WASH office complex situated at Savelugu, near Tamale, Tinah Mukunda, the newly appointed national director for World Vision Ghana, stepped out with a warm, deliberate smile. She began to exchange pleasantries with anxious staff, whose expressions were mixed with curiosity and anticipation. This was the first time she was meeting with the staff of northern operations of the organisation, barely a month after assuming office. They had high hopes and expectations, which will soon be presented to the director. 

Tinah’s presence radiated a sense of purpose and calm, setting the tone for a friendly interaction. She was accompanied by Strategy and Integrated Programmes Director Joshua Baidoo and Communications and Marketing Manager Yasmine Aouad. 

For Tinah and Yasmine, it was more than a trip; it was a pilgrimage to the heart of the organisation's work, a crucial part of their orientation to truly understand the operations of World Vision Ghana at the field level.

“I’m not here to inspect; I’m here to listen, to learn, and to see your world through your eyes and work,” she declared in her opening remarks, her voice resonating with genuine intent. The staff, gathered in a multi-purpose auditorium, listened attentively.

The two-day visit was a carefully curated immersion. The first stop was a tour of the office, where she didn’t just glance at cubicles but had insights into the Regional Water Quality Laboratory. Where the lab manager, Elvis Kachina, beams with pride as he explains the intricate process of testing water from boreholes across the region.

"This lab isn't just about science; it is about preventing cholera, reducing diarrhoea, and ensuring the children in our communities have a fair chance at quality health through safe water," he told Tinah and the team as they toured the lab. 

Tinah watched the demonstration intently. “This is the frontline. Access to safe water is crucial for children’s wellbeing,” he added. 

For Tinah and Yasmine, presentations by various clusters and special projects managers were eye-opening to the work of World Vision Ghana at the community level. 

“Through these projects we have reached thousands of the most vulnerable children, their families and communities with love,” said Rexford Bugre, the Northern Operations Manager. 

An exclusive meeting with cluster managers and project leads offered yet another opportunity for candid information sharing, from successes to operational challenges. They also shared their realities: the logistical and cultural complexities of introducing new interventions and the persistent challenge of child marriage, teenage pregnancies and vulnerabilities, some mostly caused by poverty, cultural practices and belief systems. They also shared issues of staff welfare, betting their hopes on a new leader for relief. Tinah and Yasmine listened, absorbing not just the words but the passion and frustration behind them.

The second day was a long trip to the Zabzugu Area programme, where she had a glimpse into World Vision Ghana’s work in reality. Her visit to the Zabzugu District Hospital, where she witnessed and heard how an incubator and oxygen concentrator presented to the facility saved hundreds of preterm babies. The facility managers hinted that over 120 babies had been saved through these machines. Also, the machines also reduced case referrals by almost 70 per cent. 

At the Kpalgigbini community, where Tinah interacted with the Gari Processing Women group, she heard stories of how World Vision Ghana’s support, including the formation of Savings for Transformation (S4T) groups, was helping families meet their children's education, health and food needs. She left the community with a heart full of joy, having witnessed and experienced the changes World Vision Ghana was making in the lives of the most vulnerable children, their families and the community.

Turning to the Northern Operations Manager, she placed a hand on her own chest. “I came here to learn about your activities, but I am leaving having learned about all of you—the incredible spirit, resilience, and dedication of this team. This isn’t the end of my orientation. It is the beginning of our partnership.” 

For the regional operations manager, Rexford Bugre, his team felt seen, heard, and valued. This orientation visit should guide you as you lead World Vision Ghana to the next level. "Hopes are high, and I believe with your experience something remarkable will be done.