Côte d’Ivoire has formally handed over the keys to the provisional headquarters of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), located within the Information Technology and Biotechnology Village (VITIB) in Grand-Bassam.
The ceremony took place on Thursday 8 October 2026, presided over by the Minister of State for African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, H.E. Mr Adama Dosso, on behalf of the Ivorian Government.
The handover follows a decision taken on 14 December 2025 in Abuja by the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government to transfer the WAHO headquarters to Côte d’Ivoire.
The provisional premises comprise 76 offices and functional spaces, with capacity to accommodate approximately 120 staff members, pending completion of a permanent headquarters.
In attendance were Mr Moussa Sanogo, Minister for Urban Planning, Housing and the Living Environment; Mr Jean-Louis Moulot, Deputy Minister for Technical Education and Mayor of Grand-Bassam; Professor Palokinam Pitché, Director-General of WAHO; and Ambassador Khare Diouf, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, along with other institutional and administrative officials.
That process included assessment missions, site visits and technical meetings, and led to the selection of Grand-Bassam as the host city.
In his address, Dosso praised the contribution of the Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing, SONAPIE, VITIB and all those involved in making the premises available within a short time frame.
The Deputy Minister said the establishment of WAHO in Côte d’Ivoire represents both a mark of confidence from the regional community and a significant responsibility for the country.
WAHO is an ECOWAS specialised agency in the field of health. Its stated work includes harmonising health policies, strengthening health systems and fostering cooperation between Member States.
Professor Palokinam Pitché, Director-General of WAHO, expressed gratitude to the Ivorian Government for the arrangements made to facilitate the move. The ceremony concluded with the official handover of the keys.
Comments