Former Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, has urged students to prioritize personal development and character building over simply chasing political office.
Speaking as guest speaker on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at a Department of Political Science (DPS) event themed “Time with a Politician”, Madam Osei-Opare said true leadership begins with growth, values, and readiness long before one enters Parliament.
She lauded interactive platforms between students and political leaders, noting that politics is fundamentally about holistic personal development.
According to her, initiatives like “Time with a Politician” provide an invaluable reality check for students.
She explained that such sessions allow accomplished figures to share their real, unfiltered life stories, from their humble beginnings to the peak of their political careers.
“It is not about being in parliament alone,” Madam Osei-Opare stated, stressing that students need to understand how leaders shaped their character, skills, and values before entering public office.
She noted that true political leadership is rooted in development and personal readiness.
Madam Osei-Opare further noted that by listening to the “genesis” of successful politicians, students can learn vital lessons about resilience, strategic growth, and the true essence of governance.
She commended the Department of Political Science for the initiative, calling it a vital tool for empowering the next generation of Ghanaian leaders to achieve their political aims.
Source: Collins Kofi Asante
