Accounting genius breaking barriers seeks funds to further studies

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ?Winston S. Churchill

Abigail Amoako Okyere is a bright 25-year-old who embodies the hopes and dreams of the Ghanaian generation in challenging the status quo of socially and acceptable traditional roles in the country. Abigail’s interest in Business and her unrelenting pursuit of excellence in wherever she finds herself has presented her with numerous opportunities where she has not only been challenged but has also learnt new knowledge.

Now an Accounting Consultant, Abigail Okyere sees no limit to her capabilities and passion. Having achieved a GPA of 3.62 at the tertiary level, she applied to the University of British Columbia for a full time MBA, the best business program in Canada. Although Abigail has been awarded a partial talent scholarship of CAD$10,000 (GHC 41482.94) for International Students, due to financial constraints Abigail is now faced with the burden of having to CAD$40,030 (GHC 166056.22) to enable her pursue her dreams.

Abigail has been a beneficiary to many oil trading courses and programs outside the country and such an opportunity to further her studies will not only expand her knowledge about the field but also make her a valuable asset towards national growth in the global scene.

“I believe the energy sector is one of the major pillars of the Ghanaian economy. When gaps continue to exist in such fundamental areas, the nation suffers poor outcome in many sectors. Weak foundations in the energy industry trickle down to other economic activities and presents paramount constraints on the tendency for growth and expansion. Ghana can achieve economic efficiency in their investment decisions and operations through the practice of rational economic principles and the supply of capacity enhancement. With this opportunity, I can learn new ways of maximizing resources to achieve imperative growth.”

The oil and gas industry has traditionally always been a very male dominated arena, but a recent transformation in the scene makes for an interesting read. Although across the world, women account for 27% of entry-level positions (requiring college degrees) and 25% of mid-career roles, there are a number of women breaking the barriers and Abigail is no doubt one of the few.

Born into a modest family in Nkawkaw, in the Eastern region, Abigail rose above the challenges of being catered for by a single mother whose major source of income, through petty trading, could barely sustain them. For most of her years spent in school, her mom’s benevolent friend, who after seeing such remarkable potential, decided to bear the cost of seeing her through school right from senior High School.

This intervention unfortunately came to a standstill after the unexpected demise her benefactor, whom she describes as her “Guardian.”

Abigail’s interest in Business and her unrelenting pursuit of excellence in wherever she finds herself has presented her with numerous opportunities where she has not only been challenged but has also learnt new knowledge. With a perfect score into reputable high school, Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast in 2008, Abigail remained consistent after gaining admission into the University of Ghana in 2012 where she read Business Administration and majored in Accounting.

While heavily relying on the university’s Student Representative Council (SRC) Scholarship to cater for her academic needs, she acted as one of the pioneers in establishing an Endowment Fund Act for the Business House Junior Common Room (BHJCR) (the representation of students – undergraduates and postgraduates). In addition to this, she headed the Welfare Committee for the Accounting Student Association and as President of the University of Ghana Real Estate Club, secured a number of paid internships and temporary job opportunities for students. In 2015, Abigail and a select few represented Ghana in Poland for the global finals of the Cima Case Study Competition. This would not be the last time she carries the nation high on her shoulders as in the following year 2016, she represented Ghana once again in South Africa for the Charter Quest CFO Global Competition and emerged 3rd place among global participants.

Speaking about her plans for the future, Ms. Okeyere says “I want to become a consultant in the energy market and play a key role in policymaking and restructuring to make the Ghanaian energy sector better. My research about oil and gas has heightened my interest in the many projects that can be embarked on to develop the sector tremendously and in turn, promote the national economy.”

Appeal for Funds

Ms Abigail Amoako Okyere is a big believer in helping others achieve their dreams, regardless of how little the gesture may seem. She has been admitted into the University of British Columbia to pursue a Masters in her dream program, Business Administration. She however needs to meet a goal of CAD$40,030 as remaining program tuition fees. Doing everything she can to beat the deadline- 15th of July, 2019, she has created a gofundme account soliciting funds from the public. An amount of $20 has been donated and she is unwavering in her faith about receiving support from the public.

Source: theindependentghana.com