Female accountants must be assertive–AWAG President

The newly elected President of the Association of Women Accountants Ghana (AWAG),  Akua Bonsu-Owu, has charged female accountants to be assertive in the work that they do.

She said although female accountants may be faced with challenges, it would take unity, persistence and shared vision to make the needed impact.

Mrs Bonsu-Owu was speaking at this year’s Annual General Meeting of the AWAG after taking the oath of office as the new president. She said the future of women in accountancy is bright.

She, therefore, called for closer collaboration from every member, partner, stakeholder and all allied organisations to join the association in strengthening the impact of the AWAG.

“Together, we will shape an association that stands as a beacon of excellence, empowerment and leadership in accounting and beyond,” she assured.

Meeting

The meeting was attended by female accountants from across the country. It saw the presentation of financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024, the induction of newly elected executives and the presentation of awards to outgone executives and the leadership of committees.

Currently, the association has a membership of 850 across the country.

Sharing her vision as the new President of the AWAG, Mrs Bonsu-Owu said the new leadership aims to strengthen professional development through the enhancement of training, resources and career advancement opportunities for newly qualified accountants.

“We will champion policies that promote equal representation, pay and opportunities for women in the profession, as well as create spaces for connection and collaboration through boot camps, webinars and welfare programmes,” she said.

Mrs Bonsu-Owu said her leadership would ensure members of AWAG thrived in their careers and businesses and further stressed that it would engage in community services by expanding industry programmes and partner with universities to establish mini clubs for women-led initiatives as well as engage in impactful corporate social responsibility activities.

Renovate

“We aim to renovate a children or women’s ward in a public hospital, providing critical medical support and symbolising our commitment to social welfare,” she added, assuring that they will enhance their regional presence to inspire and empower women across the country.”

She pledged to work tirelessly with her executive to promote the general well-being of all members of AWAG and said that would include the professional, physical, financial and mental health of members.

Mrs Bonsu-Owu said AWAG hoped to achieve all this with all other stakeholders aligned with the profession and with all other women's organisations.

“Together, we will shape an association that stands as a beacon of excellence, empowerment and leadership in accounting and beyond. As leaders, we promise to amplify the voices of all women in this profession,” she added.
 

Testament

Describing her elevation as a testament to the collective strength, dedication and vision of the association, Mrs Bonsu-Owu said the swearing-in of the first-ever female Vice-President of the country should serve as a reminder that the voices, opinions, leadership and contributions of women were critical in setting and executing the development agenda of the country.

She paid tribute to the forbearers of AWAG and said: “Today, we also acknowledge the resilience and foresight of the women who founded AWAG for their sacrifices and unwavering belief in the potential of women in the accounting profession which paved the way for us.”

She said the current generation was the beneficiaries of the hard work of the founders of the association and urged the present members to make it their duty to build upon the legacy.

Mrs Bonsu-Owu also extended her appreciation to the outgoing leadership for their dedication and vision, saying their effort had provided a strong foundation which the new executive must build upon.

The immediate past President, Mrs Patience Mawushie Dzikunu, for her part, expressed gratitude to all for their support, guidance and cooperation throughout her tenure.

She also paid tribute to all past presidents of AWAG and other stakeholders for their support and urged all members to remain committed to the vision of AWAG.