November 22, 2025 In Newsroom By WACSI
WACSI at 20: Regional Leaders Celebrate Two Decades of Civil Society Transformation
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[Accra, Ghana, 21 November 2025] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a cultural dinner and awards ceremony recognising individuals, organisations, and partners whose contributions have shaped the Institute’s journey and strengthened civil society across the region.
The ceremony, held in Accra on 21 November, formed part of WACSI’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Week and brought together more than 200 guests, including founding board members, former and current Executive Directors and Board Chairs, funding partners, civil society leaders, institutional partners, alumni, and members of the WACSI community.
The anniversary celebration reflected on two decades of advancing civil society capacity, nurturing leadership, promoting collaboration, and supporting actors working to strengthen democracy and development in West Africa.
Reflecting on Two Decades of Impact
Speaking at the event, WACSI Executive Director Dr Nana Asantewa Afadzinu acknowledged the collective efforts that have contributed to the Institute’s growth and regional influence.
“It has been a journey that has changed our lives and the people we work with. Importantly, it is a journey we have not made alone. Many of you in this room have contributed in one way or another to bring WACSI to where it is today,” she said.
She noted that WACSI’s work has evolved over the years, expanding from capacity strengthening to supporting conversations on civic space, leadership, governance, sustainability, and development across West Africa.
WACSI Board Chair Ambassador Francis Tsegah described the anniversary as a celebration of a vision that has grown into a respected regional institution.
“Tonight, we are not merely honouring the passage of time. We are honouring a vision that was born two decades ago and has since transformed into a vibrant reality,” he said.
WACSI’s first employee, Katherine Adarkwa, reflected on the organisation’s journey, describing it as both challenging and exciting.
“WACSI’s two decade journey has been challenging but also exciting,” she said.
Professor Nana Tanko, Executive Director of the Nigeria Foundation for the Support of Victims of Terrorism and Insurgency, commended WACSI’s commitment and impact over the years.
“WACSI has achieved things that even the entire OSIWA board would not have been able to do. The staff are committed and are truly doing a great job,” he said.
Celebrating Leadership, Partnerships, and Legacy
The ceremony recognised the contributions of WACSI’s founders, partners, staff, alumni, and civil society actors who have supported the Institute’s mission.
The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) was recognised as WACSI’s Founder and Lifelong Patron for its foundational support and commitment to strengthening civil society in the region.
Founding board members and WACSI’s first Executive Director, including Professor Nana Tanko, Professor Adebayo Olukoshi, Professor Said Adejumobi, Professor Esi Sutherland Addy, Madam Aisha Bah, Mr Abdul Tejan Cole, and Mrs Thelma Ekiyor Solanke, were honoured for establishing the foundation upon which the Institute continues to build.
Mrs Thelma Ekiyor Solanke, WACSI’s first Executive Director, reflected on the organisation’s early years and the work required to establish its credibility within the civil society sector.
“Today, it is widely known that WACSI builds the capacities of civil society. But when we started, people would ask, ‘Where are you coming from, and why do you think you can build our capacity?’ We constantly had to prove ourselves,” she said.
She also highlighted the success of WACSI’s Next Generation Internship Programme, noting that many former interns have gone on to become leaders within civil society institutions across Africa.
Recognising Contributions to Civil Society Development
WACSI recognised its longest serving staff members, outstanding Next Generation Internship Programme alumni, strategic partners, donors, knowledge institutions, and civil society organisations for their contributions to the Institute’s work.
Among those recognised were organisations advancing civic participation, social innovation, accountability, and citizen engagement, including YIAGA Africa, Gender Mobile Initiative, NAYMOTE Liberia’s Young Political Leadership School Africa, Media Foundation for West Africa’s The Fourth Estate, and Africtivistes.
Knowledge and policy institutions including Afrobarometer, EPIC Africa, CDD West Africa, RADHOO, Campaign for Good Governance, and CIVICUS were also honoured for strengthening evidence based advocacy and supporting civic space across the region.
Major funding partners including the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the European Union Delegation, GIZ, and SIDA were recognised for their strategic support towards strengthening civil society in West Africa.
The ceremony also celebrated social movements such as Y’en a Marre, #EndSARS, #FixTheCountry, and Le Balai Citoyen for amplifying citizens’ voices and advancing civic participation.
Looking Ahead
As WACSI marks 20 years of service, the Institute reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a resilient, innovative, and impactful civil society movement across West Africa.
The anniversary celebration served as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of partnerships in shaping a future where citizens and civil society actors continue to play a central role in development and governance.
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