I’ve lost many acquaintances in the last two years - Charlotte Osei

Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, says she has lost many acquaintances in the last two years due to the nature of her work.

She however added she also gained what she described as 'true friends'.

"There were many days in the last two years when I felt very heavily, the burden of leadership. The weight of, as it seemed, carrying the entire peace and stability of the nation on my shoulders. But through it all, I could always count on the love and support of my husband, my children and my friends. I lost a lot of acquaintances, but I gained a lot of true friends. And for that, I recognize that I am a very blessed person. I just want to take a minute to thank them: my husband, my children, my dad, my siblings and my very, few and supportive special friends: their unwavering love and support- bearing the brunt of falsehoods and insults, and many provocations- has kept me steady and given me the strength to go on," EC boss said.

She made the comments on Tuesday when she was honoured with the United States Department of State’s Women of Courage Award for 2017.

The US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson praised the EC boss, saying she ‘epitomizes the phrase, woman of courage.’

The EC boss declined to take full credit for the success of the last election saying umerous people contributed in diverse ways to our successful elections and the national peace and stability we continue to enjoy.

“I take this opportunity to firmly place on the record, that the success of the 2016 elections were not and could not be the results of one person’s efforts. Numerous people contributed in diverse ways to our successful elections and the national peace and stability we continue to enjoy. Let me begin by first acknowledging the truly invaluable guidance and support I received and continue to receive from my predecessor, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, the support of my colleague Commissioners (some of who are present here), Directors and staff of the EC, who from the first day I stepped into office at the Commission and even in our most trying times, continue support me and help deliver on the constitutional mandate of the Commission. This award is for all of us,” she said.