The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East Congress, Abena Osei-Asare, a trailblazing Ghanaian politician, has made history by becoming the first female Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Ghana’s Parliament.
This appointment is a testament to her exceptional leadership skills, expertise in finance, and dedication to public service.
Born on January 16, 1979, Abena Osei-Asare hails from Anyinam in the Atiwa East Constituency of the Eastern Region of Ghana.
She began her educational journey at Achimota Primary School and later attended Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast. Abena holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Geography from the University of Ghana and a Master’s degree in Development Finance from the University of Ghana Business School.
Abena Osei-Asare’s professional career spans over a decade, with experience in banking, finance, and public service.
She worked as an Assistant Director in Facilities and Finance at the New York University in Ghana and later as a Customer Team Leader at Barclays Bank Ghana.
Her expertise in finance and accounting earned her a fellowship with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in 2014.
Abena’s entry into politics was marked by her election as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Atiwa East Constituency in 2012.
She has since been re-elected thrice, in 2016, 2020 and 2024 respectively. As an MP, Abena has served on various committees, including the Finance Committee, Public Accounts Committee, and Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprises Committee.
In 2017, Abena Osei-Asare was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Finance, making her the youngest and third woman to hold the position in Ghana’s history.
She played a crucial role in shaping the country’s fiscal policies and was instrumental in resolving labor union tensions during her tenure.
Her appointment as the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee is a significant milestone in her political career. As the first female to hold this position, she is expected to bring a unique perspective and expertise to the committee’s work. Her leadership will be crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
