West Africa's health agency gets a new home in Grand-Bassam
Côte d'Ivoire has handed the West African Health Organisation a temporary headquarters with 76 offices for about 120 staff, while a permanent one is built.
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Grand-Bassam — Côte d'Ivoire has handed over the keys to a temporary headquarters for the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the health agency of the regional bloc ECOWAS, in Grand-Bassam, ECOWAS said.
The move
- ECOWAS heads of state decided on 14 December 2025 in Abuja to move WAHO's headquarters to Côte d'Ivoire.
- Grand-Bassam was chosen after assessment missions, site visits and technical meetings.
- The temporary premises, inside the Information Technology and Biotechnology Village (VITIB), have 76 offices and other spaces for about 120 staff.
- They will serve until a permanent headquarters is completed.
The handover took place on 8 October. Adama Dosso, Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of State for African Integration, said hosting the agency was a mark of regional confidence and a significant responsibility, and thanked the ministries and agencies that prepared the premises so quickly.
WAHO's director general, Professor Palokinam Pitché, thanked the Ivorian government for the arrangements that made the move possible.
WAHO works to harmonise health policies, strengthen health systems and build cooperation between member states. ECOWAS said its presence in Grand-Bassam should open opportunities in public health, research and innovation.
Source: ECOWAS, 14 October 2026.
