Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare is the first female Chief of Staff
The Young African Women Congress (YAWC) has honoured a distinctive woman of many colours within the Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration for her role as an inspiration to a multitude of audiences in an African society.
She has played a major role in women empowerment and a torch bearer of contemporary African democracy.
Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare was honoured yesterday by the leadership of the Excellence Leadership Africa group (ExLA) and the YAWC at the University of Ghana Campus in Accra.
She has over forty years of experience in public service, a Development Consultant, a Lecturer, Lawyer, a former Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, and a mother of four.
Currently, Madam Frema Opare is the first female Chief of Staff, not just in Ghana, but also within the West African sub-region, and her life has influenced many young women across the globe, hence, it has called for the YAWC and executives of the ExLA group to appreciate her efforts and role in society.
As usual about Ghanaians, there was a worship ministration by the renowned Ghanaian gospel musician and Evangelist, Diana Asamoah, at the beginning of the programme to beseech the Heavenly Host’s presence, and also to bless Him for the life of a gift given to the nation, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
The honourary event was attended by Madam Opare’s former colleagues in parliament, the Minister in charge of Public Procurement and Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Ms. Adwoa Sarfo Kantanka, the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Madam Cecilia Abenaa Dapaah, and the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo.
In a speech, the First Lady described the Chief of Staff as a caring mother, one who sees and utilises opportunities, capable of taking risks, and an industrious woman. According to her, not all people would “take the risk” to take such a position as the first female in Ghana in her office.
Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Keynote Speaker for the event, also describes Madam Osei-Opare as somebody who “leads by making more leaders, not more followers.”
Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye and Madam Osei-Opare have worked together to start the former’s foundation, Ark Foundation of Ghana, which provides services for battered women, victims of sexual abuse, and other women in need.
Numerous members from the seat of government, her family, and loved ones also patted her shoulders for a job well done.
At the end of the programme, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare was given a plaque of honour, a designed portrait of herself, and flowers from ex-president Jerry John Rawlings as a gesture of gratitude for her role.
After all was read and said about her character and services rendered unto the nation, she expressed her gratitude for the love and honour bestowed on her.
The former Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency was grateful to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for giving her the opportunity to serve, as well as the organisers of the programme.
Recalling how she was loved and often given the privilege by her parents during her tender days to serve, she urged all gathered, especially parents, to guide their wards in their choices, educate them, and also give the girl child the chance to serve in office when they are of age.
The theme for the event was “Grassroots Mobilisations for Women’s Empowerment.” It was attended by young women and representatives of YAWC from all over Africa, including Liberia, Nigeria, Uganda, The Gambia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and other neighbouring countries.
