Prince Israel Orekha has been elected Secretary of the Climate Action Network West and Central Africa. The election held during the network’s General Assembly on Friday. Orekha secured eight votes out of 12 cast. He defeated Ansumana Camara, who received four votes. The new board’s tenure runs from November 2026 to November 2029. The statement was made available to newsmen on Saturday in Benin.
CANWCA is part of the global Climate Action Network. It brings together civil society organisations working on climate issues. The network advocates for climate justice, finance, adaptation and a just energy transition. West and Central Africa face growing climate challenges. Flooding, drought, food insecurity and displacement are recurring. The network’s leadership shapes regional advocacy. The election is an important step in strengthening internal structures and accountability.
The General Assembly elected a new board. Kenneth Amoateng of Ghana was elected Co-Chair for West Africa with 12 votes out of 17. Abrelegwi Ngoasong of Cameroon was elected Co-Chair for Central Africa. Ndeye Rokhaya Dieye of Senegal emerged as Treasurer. Other elected board members are Samiratou Ouédraogo of Burkina Faso, Awa Cham of The Gambia, Sylvana Ayihonsi of Benin Republic and Lethicia Gnada of Côte d’Ivoire. Cham secured eight votes out of 15, defeating Omar Camara with seven. The General Assembly reviewed the network’s activities and financial performance. It discussed its future direction. The new leadership assumes office amid growing climate-related challenges. The board will provide direction for stronger regional cooperation and collective advocacy. It will work to improve coordination among member organisations and strengthen their participation in climate policy discussions.
Winners and Losers
Winners: Orekha, who gains a regional role. The new board, which gains mandates. CANWCA, which strengthens its structures. Climate advocates, who gain representation.
Losers: Camara, who lost the secretary vote. Omar Camara, who lost the board vote. The network, if coordination remains weak. Communities facing climate shocks, if advocacy does not translate into action.
Bottom Line: Orekha is secretary. The board is set. Climate challenges are growing. The network must advocate effectively. The election is a start. Delivery is the test.