Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana Mrs Charlotte Osei has praised His royal Majesty Otumfour Osei Tutu II for his wise counsel after winning with the United States Department of State’s Woman of Courage Award for 2017.
She was honoured for the reforms she has brought to the Electoral Management Body leading to a “credible election 2016 afer being at the helm of affairs for two years.
The US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson described her as someone who “epitomizes the phrase, woman of courage.”
Charlotte Osei came under severe public backlash from the New Patriotic Party which was then in opposition. She is currently under investigations over alleged managerial incompetence among others being championed by some staff of the EC.
Ambassador Jackson has since praised her for her bravery before, during and after the 2016 general elections.
Receiving the award, Mrs. Osei acknowledged that other staff and commissioners deserve credit too for their hard work, adding she was “totally overwhelmed and humbled” by the US government’s recognition.
I am very grateful to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene for his constant support and wise counsel; to former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuour; and of course, to the two leading Presidential candidates of the 2016 elections, then President John Dramani Mahama and HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for their responsible leadership and statesmanship during and after the elections.”
”I have received strength from many: leaders of faith based organisations, including my own spiritual father, the Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, many clergy men and women and the national chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu. I thank them all for the daily spiritual backing.”
”In spite of all the challenges, obstacles, attacks and hurdles I have faced in my 6-year journey in public service, I still truly believe that it is a great honour and a privilege to serve one’s country. And it is a special privilege to serve in the capacity of the Chair of the Electoral Commission. I truly am grateful for the honour and the privilege and I thank all of you who have been a part of my journey.”
Charlotte Osei thanked the many citizens of Ghana, known and unknown, who reach out to her daily, quietly, behind the scenes and offer support, prayers and encouragement.
Source: otecfmghana.com
