Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey

Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey is a Ghanaian politician and public administrator who has served as the Mayor of Accra since 2021, appointed by President Nana Akufo-Addo. A member of the New Patriotic Party, she is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Her career spans roles in national parliamentary service, local government, and international diplomacy, with a focus on urban development, public health, and gender inclusion.

Early life and education

Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey was born and raised in the capital city of Accra. She pursued her tertiary education at the prestigious University of Ghana, Legon, where she earned her first degree. She furthered her studies in public administration at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. Her academic foundation was complemented by professional training programs, including a notable fellowship with the International Republican Institute in Washington, D.C., focusing on governance and political leadership.

Political career

Sackey's political career began with her election as the Member of Parliament for the Okaikwei North Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, serving from 2005 to 2009. During her tenure in the Parliament of Ghana, she served on several committees, including the Health Committee and the Gender and Children's Committee. Following her parliamentary service, she held significant public appointments, including Deputy Minister for Tourism and later as the Chief Executive Officer of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Board. She also served as Ghana's Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, representing the country's interests in The Hague.

Mayor of Accra

Appointed by President Nana Akufo-Addo in October 2021, Sackey succeeded Mohammed Adjei Sowah as the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Her administration has prioritized initiatives under the broader Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project, tackling issues of sanitation, flood mitigation, and sustainable urban planning. Key projects have included the modernization of the Agbogbloshie market area, enhancements to the Odaw River drainage system, and promoting the "#MakeAccraWork" agenda to improve city services and economic vitality. Her leadership during public health campaigns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana, involved coordinating city-wide sanitation and vaccination efforts.

Personal life

Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey is known to be a devout Christian and is married with children. She maintains an active role in community and women's empowerment groups within the Greater Accra Region. Her interests include reading and advocacy for youth development and women's advancement in public service.

Awards and recognition

For her public service, Sackey has received several accolades. She was honored with a Ghana Women of Excellence Award in recognition of her pioneering role as the first female Mayor of Accra. Her work in urban management has also been acknowledged by institutions like the Institute of Local Government Studies in Ghana.

Category:Mayors of Accra Category:Ghanaian women in politics Category:New Patriotic Party politicians Category:University of Ghana alumni Category:Living people