HOW WE STARTED
The vision for advancing the well-being of women and girls was conceived in 2017 during Mrs. Lydia Fuah Hayford’s role as a Gender Facilitator under the Ghana National Association of Teachers’ (GNAT) exchange program with the Canadian Teachers Federation (CTF). While undertaking a professional tour of the Western, Central, and Greater Accra regions of southern Ghana, Mrs. Hayford received widespread commendation and positive feedback from co-facilitators and participants. This acknowledgment of her impactful facilitation work served as the catalyst for her passion and the development of this transformative vision.
2019 - Vision Advancement
The vision gained significant momentum in 2019 when Mrs. Lydia Fuah Hayford assumed the role of Women’s Leader for the Madina Area of the Church of Pentecost. Serving in this capacity from September 2019 to July 2022, her dedication to promoting the well-being of women and girls deepened. This role further amplified her passion and drive, strengthening her resolve to make a broader and more meaningful impact. Upon completing her three-year tenure as Women’s Leader, Mrs. Hayford resolved to extend her mission beyond the church. Her desire to champion the cause of women and girls, her quest for social justice coupled with her great inspiration from the possessing the national agenda of the church of Pentecost, motivated her to bring her vision to the wider society.
2022- Registration of Girls Wellness Initiative Ghana (G.WIG)
2022-Formation and Registration of Girls Wellness Initiative Ghana (G.WIG)
Inspired by the impactful contributions of individuals such as Dr. Cecilia Tutu-Danquah (Principal of TUCEE), Elder Renar Noah (Church of Pentecost, Dodowa District), and her family, Mrs. Lydia Fuah Hayford formed her NGO; Girls Wellness Initiative Ghana (G.WIG) on Ist September 2022 and officially registered it on December 12th, 2022 The establishment of the organization was further bolstered by the unwavering support of Elder Moses and Mrs. Mercy Ahetor (Church of Pentecost, Madina Area), whose encouragement and guidance were instrumental in bringing this vision to fruition.
2024 - Restructuring and Formation of WENAF
In 2024, G.WIG underwent a significant transformation following strategic consultations with Dr. Sampson Afrifa Jnr, a seasoned expert in organizational strategy. Mrs. Lydia Fuah Hayford’s pursuit of academic excellence also played a critical role in this evolution. Her decision to study Counseling Psychology at the University of Ghana deepened her understanding of mental health and well-being, providing valuable insights that reshaped the organization’s vision and mission. With this enriched perspective, the organization broadened its scope and rebranded as Wellness Advocacy Africa (WENAF). The newly restructured entity was officially registered on February 7, 2024, marking a new chapter in its commitment to promoting wellness across the continent.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
Wellness Advocacy Africa (WENAF) is a transformative non-governmental organization that seeks to promote five strategic domains of wellness namely: personal wellness, psychological and mental wellness, societal wellness, financial wellness and environmental wellness. At WENAF, we align the achievement of strategic domains of wellness advocacy to ten (10) out of the seventeen (17) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ten (10) UN SDGs that align with our five strategic wellness advocacy domains are: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Our Vision
At WENAF, we envision a thriving Africa where individuals and communities experience holistic well-being, reveling in optimal physical and mental health, flourishing socially, and coexisting harmoniously with a sustainable environment
Our Mission
Dedicated to elevating Africa’s well-being, we deploy a comprehensive strategy that seamlessly intertwines physical, societal, and environmental wellness. Our commitment extends to pioneering research and implementing evidence-based interventions, addressing health, societal, and environmental challenges to foster sustainable transformation across the African continent.
Dr. Sampson Afrifa Jnr
Mr. Moses Aheto
