Charlotte Osei, LLM’96, Chair of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, has received the U.S. Embassy’s Women of Courage Award for 2017. Robert P. Jackson, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, made the presentation to Osei, recognizing her management and administration of the 2016 Ghanaian election and her efforts to increase inclusion and civic engagement.

“This is indeed a great honour and I am totally overwhelmed and humbled by this recognition,” said Osei as she started her acceptance speech. “I would like to sincerely thank the government of the United States of America, through the Embassy in Ghana, for this honour.”

“The success of the 2016 elections were not and could not be the results of one person’s efforts,” she continued. “Numerous people contributed in diverse ways to our successful elections and the national peace and stability we continue to enjoy.”

She stressed how the ordinary Ghanaian needs education, clean water, affordable and accessible health care, opportunities to work and earn a decent living and take care of their families, governance without corruption, peace and stability, a safe and clean environment, and a justice system that works. “I am inspired and motivated anew every day to work towards these needs,” Osei said. “The starting point of course, is an electoral system that works and ensures that the process of electing our political leaders is credible and transparent and ensures national peace, stability and cohesion in its aftermath.”

Ambassador Jackson also praised Osei at the ceremony. “Throughout her life, Charlotte Osei has made a name for herself as a trailblazing woman and defender of democracy,” he said. “Throughout her career, she has prioritized the active participation of vulnerable citizens. Under her leadership, both the National Commission on Civic Education and the Electoral Commission trained hundreds of women’s groups to get out the vote, and expanded efforts to address the needs of persons with disabilities.”

By Anthony Pugh