Chief of Staff, Mrs. Frema Osei-Opare, has observed that women of character, determination, competence, and stature are still under-represented in effective and organized political power.
According to her, women in West Africa including Liberia and Ghana and across the African continent still face a debilitating reality due to the interlinked circumstances.
The averred that progressions on issues that confront women on the continent and abroad must result from the leadership of those who have already built a bold initiative.
She argued that the achievements of former Liberia President, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf are therefore an inspiration for women of Africa who regard her as a transformational role model.
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Mrs. Frema Opare stated these on behalf of President Akufo-Addo at the launch of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development in Monrovia Liberia.
She stressed that it is befitting to immortalize the life, achievements and enduring legacy of the first elected African female to break the glass ceiling in 2006 to become the President of Liberia.
“Madame, I assure you, that many of us, from far and near, followed your hard-fought victories and we continue to regard you as a transformational role model.”
“A woman inspired and determined, not limited by circumstances but rather energized and enjoined to surmount the difficult journey of Public Leadership,” she said.
“Your achievements Madam- President, for us in Ghana is reminiscent of the indomitable warrior Queen Yaa Asantewaa of the great Ashanti Kingdom who stood up to confront the British when our men had been silenced,” she added.
The Chief of Staff noted that the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Center will inspire and prepare women to take up roles and excel in the highest echelons of public leadership.
She said, “The Center has enshrined that its ambition is to help women move away from a culture of tokenism to a culture that values female leadership.”
“It is entirely befitting that today, on the anniversary of International Women’s Day that we come together to commend and recognize the Founder, your Excellency, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and your team for this worthy initiative.”
She averred that the collective journeys of other women like President Joyce Banda of Malawi and others to growth and development have not been without hard decisions.
She, however, stressed there is no reason to quit when the going becomes rough and tough and added, “We will continue to as you say ‘Find our voices.”
