Chief of Staff praises Akufo-Addo for his belief in women

The Chief of Staff, Mrs Frema Osei-Opare, has eulogised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his conviction in women, and the promotion of women empowerment in the country.

According to Mrs Osei-Opare, the President’s decision to appoint her to the high office of Chief of Staff, making her the first female to occupy that position, speaks volume of his desire to see women prosper and given the needed voice they deserve in the country.

“I want to thank former President Kufuor for appointing me as a Deputy Minister in his government. But more importantly, I want to thank President Akufo-Addo for the trust he has in me. Making political appointments come with great risk. And for the President to take that risk and say that for the first time, he was going to give the position of a Chief of Staff to a woman speaks of the confidence he has in women,” the Chief of Staff said.

Opportunity

Mrs Osei-Opare said this in Accra on Saturday after she had been honoured at the 5th Annual Glitz Africa’s ‘Ghana Women of the Year Honours’ Awards’ Night held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel.

She urged women to use every opportunity given to them to excel, adding that it is when women value ‘smaller’ opportunities and excel accordingly that they will be considered for bigger opportunities.

She noted that all the positions she held during her days in academia, as Deputy Minister and Member of Parliament are those that have helped her to manage her role as a Chief of Staff.

Mrs Osei-Opare also expressed her appreciation to the NPP foot soldiers of Ayawaso West Wuogon, where she served as a two-term Member of Parliament, for rallying behind her during those days and supporting her vision.

She went further to thank all persons who have played different roles in making her who she is now.

Honour

The Chief of Staff was honoured with Excellence in Governance, the ultimate honour of the night.

Presenting the award, former First Lady and flagbearer of the National Democratic Party, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, showered praises on the Chief of Staff for her exceptional quality in handling her role without hitch.

The Chief of Staff expressed appreciation to Glitz Africa for the honour.

“I value this, and I am grateful for the recognition” she said.

The ‘Ghana Women of the Year Honours’ is an award scheme instituted by Glitz Africa to celebrate women who use their expertise, position and influence to inspire others to make a difference in driving other women forward.

The honourees were selected by an astute board of achievers who used clear and objective criteria in ensuring that the final list comprised the most deserving women in various fields.

The 5th Annual Ghana Women of the Year Honours saw women from governance, judiciary, corporate, media among others being honoured.