Resource persons and participants at an orientation workshop organised in Kumasi for women groupings by Dressers International, a Non-Governmental Organisation, have described the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare as a perfect role model for the Ghanaian woman.
The membership of the NGO and participants at the workshop, who were also treated to free health screening, singled out Madam Frema Osei-Opare among others, as their role model in Ghana.
The position of the participants, including hairdressers, dressmakers, make-up artists, caterers and traders was premised on the background of the Chief of Staff and her role and contribution to the growth of democracy and governance, as well as woman empowerment.
The theme for the day’s workshop last Thursday, aimed at encouraging women’s participation in local and national politics was: “The role of women in politics”.
The Chief of Staff’s philanthropic work, youth and women empowerment, as well as employment initiatives besides her educational background, remain her trump card in this survey.
They wished Madam Frema Osei-Opare, who is energetic and active, would catch the eye of the NPP’s flagbearer to become his running mate to further enable her to contribute to the advancement of mother Ghana.
Miss Gifty Obeng Agyemang said the Chief of Staff is courageous and very energetic, a proof that age is not a hindrance to any diligent individual.
Frank Takyi is amazed about Madam Frema Osei-Opare’s active involvement in the effective running of government machinery over the last seven years. as the first female Chief of Staff.
Mr. Kwabena Agyeman, a member of the NGO, said the group is committed to encouraging women in the political discourse in the country. He recognised the advisory role of Madam Frema Osei-Opare.
Philipa Ansong also explained that her decision to be part of Dressers International emanated from the interest of championing women leadership.
According to her, the Chief of Staff, Madam Frema Osei-Opare inspires her and empowers her to rub shoulders with male counterparts in every human endeavour.
Miss Ansong revealed that she is fond of the Chief of Staff because she possesses exceeding leadership qualities.
She noted, being the first ever female Chief of Staff, Madam Frema shows profuse energy and activism despite her age.
“Madam Frema is found everywhere in Ghana and shows interest in youth development and employment and for some of us we are inspired to do what we do because of her passion for the country”, Miss Ansong stated.
Gloria Ofori, a hair dresser and a participant said her interest in politics is heightened by the Dressers International encounter and hoped the sensitization would be spread among women across the country to whip up women’s interest in politics.
Miss Kate Ampofo, a fashion designer said the academic background of the Chief of Staff and her international exposure and career thrill her a lot and said her exploits in politics over the years should serve as an inspiration for Ghanaian women.
Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, 77, Politician, Lecturer, Consultant and the first female Chief of Staff of Ghana has spent over 40 years as an astute development practitioner, an academic and an expert in labour.
She represented Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency in the Parliament of Ghana from January 7, 2005 to January 6, 2009 under former President John Agyekum Kufuor and from January 7, 2009 to January 6, 2013 under late John Atta Mills’ administration.
She served as the Deputy Minister for Manpower, Youth and Employment under the government of President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Madam Frema Osei-Opare lectured at the University of Ghana at the Department of Home Science from 1976 to 1982 and became the Head of department. She has also worked with the United Nations in the Women in Fisheries project in various capacities in Uganda, Ethiopia, Congo and Namibia.
The Valley View University bestowed an honorary Doctor of Science (Honours Causa) degree upon Akosua Frema Osei-Opare on Friday, July 7, 2023in recognition of her exceptional accomplishments and unmatched contributions to the advancement of Ghana.
She hails from Wiamoase in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. She attended St. Monica’s Secondary School, Mampong-Ashanti. She had her bachelor’s degree in Home Science from the University of Ghana and proceeded to University of Guelph for a master’s degree in Food Science. Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare is married with four children.
