By Leocadia Bongben
Yaoundé, November 11 — The National Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW) has installed Guy Martial Mendo Ze as its new Deputy Executive Director, urging him to instill new dynamism in serving women, youth and vulnerable communities.
The installation ceremony took place at the CAMNAFAW Head Office in Yaoundé. Presiding over the event, Board Chair Hon. Gaston Komba said the appointment was aimed at strengthening the impact, visibility and credibility of the organisation.
Appointed on October 22, Mendo Ze’s nomination reflects the Board’s commitment to institutional responsibility and self-determination, Komba said. It recognises his skills, work ethic, results-oriented approach, sense of service, loyalty and efficiency.
“By entrusting you with these functions, the Board of Directors recognises your journey and your concrete contribution to our organisation,” Komba said. “Your responsibilities in youth programmes have placed you at the heart of the concerns of adolescents and young people, and have allowed you to support their participation in promoting health and sexual and reproductive rights.”
Komba highlighted Mendo Ze’s role in mobilising young activists around the domestication of the Maputo Protocol, noting his capacity to contribute to dialogue on critical issues affecting women, young people and communities. He also commended his efforts to mobilise partners and build collaborations that advance CAMNAFAW’s mission.
“Your availability and commitment are assets we hope to see deployed on a greater scale,” Komba said. “The Board expects you to translate this trust into flawless commitment and results.”
The Board Chair charged the new Deputy Executive Director with working in close, constructive collaboration with the Executive Director through daily consultation and effective synergy, leaving no room for criticism.
He stressed financial discipline, quality management and integrity as priorities, adding:
“Every resource entrusted to us by the Board must be used efficiently and transparently, and must generate measurable results. Respect for procedures, quality of reporting, follow-up on investments, and implementation of recommendations are essential to our credibility.”
Komba also urged him to strengthen public relations, international coordination, team consultation and impact on the population.
A Journey That Inspires Youth
Awawou MANDUNH MBOHOU, youth president and youth representative on the board, described the nomination as more than a promotion — a recognition of a remarkable journey marked by work, determination, dynamism and competence.
She traced Mendo Ze’s career from social mobiliser in the East Region to Regional Coordinator for Social Mobilisation, and later to national responsibilities.
“Gradually, thanks to his commitment and skills, he overcame obstacles and assumed increasingly important responsibilities,” she said. “His involvement in programmes such as ‘Ado Avance Ensemble’ and his actions in favour of adolescents and women show his commitment to CAMNAFAW’s mission of promoting access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights.”
“Your work is a source of inspiration for youth. You remind us that responsibility is built through work, perseverance, competence, and determination. Despite obstacles and difficulties, it is possible to move forward. On behalf of the youth of CAMNAFAW, we extend our warmest congratulations,” Awawou MANDUNH MBOHOU added.
Commitment to Serve
In his acceptance speech, Mendo Ze promised to discharge his responsibilities with tact, rigour and collaboration.
“My first actions will be under the leadership of the Executive Director and the Board of Directors, to accompany the Director in the strategic orientations contained in the organisation’s strategic documents,” he said. “I will consolidate what has already been achieved and continue to make the organisation shine.”
