The African Women’s Development Fund’s team are saddened beyond words at the death of Innocent Chukwuma, former Director of Ford Foundation West Africa.

The Ford Foundation has been a long-standing partner of AWDF, and since 2017 Innocent led his team in numerous engagements with AWDF prior to and after AWDF was awarded a Ford Build grant. He was a highly engaged partner, always ready to provide support and perspective on any initiative. He made a profound impact on our work, going beyond the call of duty to build an enduring rapport that has thrived till date.

Innocent will be most remembered for his fervent belief, not only in the sanctity of women’s rights, but also in the drive for development in Africa, putting this zeal in everything he worked on. His deep understanding of the political context of women’s rights in Africa, and genuine interest in the work made him an invaluable partner for countless civil society organisations in Ghana and across the continent.

AWDF Co-Founder and Board Member Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi says: “Innocent Chukwuma was simply the best. With his sudden passing, African Civil Society has lost a great Thought Leader, the feminist movement has lost an unwavering ally and many of us have lost a dear brother and friend. Innocent always knew what was needed and necessary to strengthen the movements we need for social change. He will be sorely missed”.

AWDF CEO Françoise Moudouthe also recounts: “In the short period that I have worked at AWDF, I have observed the impact of Innocent’s allyship with our organisation and with feminist movements across Africa.”.

Our deepest condolences go to his wife Josephine and the entire family, as well as his colleagues at the Ford Foundation.