The Secretariat is the operational body of the Initiative and is based in Accra, Ghana. It is permanently headed by an Executive Secretary of Ivorian nationality, appointed by the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The Initiative is expected to open its membership to other African cocoa producing countries.
Staff Profile:
H.E. Alex Assanvo, Executive Secretary.
Alex Assanvo is the first Executive Secretary of the Cȏte d’Ivoire Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI).
Before his appointment, he was Director of Corporate Affairs for Europe and Africa at Mars. Alex begun his international development career with the German development agency, GIZ, as a Rural Development Expert between 2002 and 2006 in Dakar, Senegal.
He moved on to Fairtrade Labelling International (FLO), in Germany in 2006 as Head for Africa and the Strategic Lead for Cocoa and Cotton. He later joined the Sustainability and Procurement team at Kraft Foods, now Mondelēz International, in October 2011 to 2013 as the Cocoa Development Manager in charge of the Cocoa Life Programme.
Tawiah Agyarko-Kwarteng, Technical Manager.
Tawiah Agyarko-Kwarteng is a seasoned development practitioner with 19+ years of private sector and non-profit experience in multiple African countries, delivering innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture, rural development, women’s empowerment and education.
She previously worked for The Hershey Company as West Africa Sustainable Sourcing Representative and held multiple positions including Project Director for World Education, Inc. and Country Advisor for Empowered to Educate, both US non-profits.
Tawiah holds a Master of Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a BSc. degree in Planning (Development Policy) from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana.
Widad Adaku Quaye, Head of Administration.
Widad Adaku Quaye is an International Relations Expert with over 20 years’ experience in Office Administration, Protocol, Communications, Diplomacy and International Relations. She joined the Initiative in March 2022, having worked for over 12 years at the European Union Delegation to Ghana as Protocol & Political Officer and Press and Information Assistant. She had previously worked at the Embassy of Algeria to Ghana as P.A. to the Ambassador for 10 years.
She provides coaching on Etiquette and International Protocol and moderates, organizes, and manages official events with a specialty in arranging and coordinating High Level official and political visits, meetings and conferences.
She holds a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Webster University, B.Sc. in Administration (Human Resource Management) from the University of Education, Winneba, Bilingual Diploma in Secretaryship and Office Practice. She also has Certificates in Conflict Management, Effective Office Management and Administration, Diplomacy & International Relations, and Local Government
Djibrilla Souleymane , Finance Officer
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Priscilla Amemor, Administrative/Personal Assistant [BSc. Accounting, MBA HRM].
Priscilla Amemor is a Human Resources Generalist with five years of experience and intermediate-level knowledge in managing HR administrative procedures, employee benefits and payroll, performance tracking methods and HR records. She is a reliable, knowledgeable, and highly organized team player with excellent communication skills, team building and relationship management. She provided support for process improvements to boost staff retention; with professional interests in applicant tracking systems, benefits management and payroll management.
Angele-Emmanuelle Tigori, Office Assistant.
Angele-Emmanuelle Tigori is an experienced Administrative Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the law practice industry, aviation industry, telecommunications industry, a coordinator of a World Bank Africa Advanced Drivers’ Training and has a background in international development. She has demonstrable organizational and time management skills, research, strong client relations and report writing. A dual national of Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, with an excellent oral and written communication in both English and French.
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