Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, has described the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Ghana, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare as an honest woman who does not compromise on her values.

According to Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare’s notion on values and principles has been consistent since she came in contact with her.

A virtue, she said, the Chief of Staff holds in high esteem.

On when she started her Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Dr. Angela Damena- Aboagye, recalled how the Chief of Staff took an interest in her advocacy for women and gave her a grant of $250 while being an integral support of the establishment.

“Aunt Frema as she is affectionately called gave me the chance when as a young woman Lawyer who decided to resign from her work with government to start a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) with no pesewa. She took a chance with us and decided as the CEO of Action Aid to give us our first grant as a test. It was a very little grant of $250.”

She averred that although her relationship with Madam Osei-Opare was cordial, it did not make her win her favour automatically but “had to go through the fire and the right channel”.

“She watched us and subsequently made sure that this organization became strong and sustainable. Anytime we put in a proposal, she would never cut any short corners with us. We would go through the whole system to make sure that we get our proposal.”



She continued, “That is how I found out that her integrity is intact. She came to like me as a person but she did not cut corners with me. We had to fulfill all righteousness”.

The Ark Foundation Director was speaking at the 4th edition of the Young African Women Congress 2019 where the Chief of Staff was honoured for her highlighting achievements and serving as a role model to young women.

The theme for YAWC 2019 was “Grassroots Mobilisation for Women’s Empowerment: Young Women Lead”.



She admonished young women at the honorary event not to think highly of themselves but be advocates of change and strive to leave an impact.

In her response, the Chief of Staff expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed her while thanking President Nana Akufo-Addo for the opportunity as the first female Chief of Staff in Ghana and West Africa.

She urged other African Leaders to tow the lane of involving more women in state activities.



The “Hon. Akosua Frema Osei Opare Day” is the first in a series of events to recognise and celebrate astute women of Africa for their contributions to women empowerment for national and global impact. The day is specifically named after the woman proposed to be celebrated at the specific congress.

The event was organised by ExLA Group.