● Richard Osafo Boadi

Paulo Coelho said: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.” That is what happened to Mr. Richard Osafo Boadi, when he emerged the Overall Best Lev­el Three candidate at the 40th Chattered Accountants Profes­sional Examinations recently.

“It is indeed one of the proudest moments in my life. I am glad to share the moment with my family, friends and colleagues.

“I did not imagine myself being adjudged the Overall Best Student at any level because that was not a direct goal for me. But now, the hon­our is a clear indication that hard work pays,” he said in an interview with The Spectator recently.

The native of Kwahu in the Eastern Region, was deter­mined to do his best and not “disappoint those who looked up to him.” He admits that combining work and school was challenging yet he kept his focus.

In spite of the setbacks, he noted the course enableg him to multi-task and work under pressure.

“My work provided prac­tical experience to aid my understanding of certain matters, especially Taxation and Financial Reporting, “ he noted.

Mr. Boadi is impressed with his proficiency in International Financial Reporting Standards, Computer Literacy and Tax Administration. Apart from his enthusiasm and analytical skills, he is result-oriented, passionate about his job and maintains good interpersonal relations with clients.

Now a full member of the Institute of Chartered Accoun­tants, Ghana (ICAG), he holds Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Business Administra­tion from University of Ghana, Legon. He is an old student of St. Peters Senior High School, Nkwatia-Kwahu and current­ly the Finance and Accounts Manager at Ferfed Business Consult Limited at Tema.

The firm comprises Char­tered Accountants, Human Resource Practitioners, Tax Consultants, Credit Manage­ment Experts, Logistics and Transport Consultants, among others.

“I have mainly performed the role of an accounts person across various indus­tries including dis­tribution, sports, cosmetics, and business consultancy throughout my professional career. I am committed to continue contributing positively to every or­ganisation I work with to help achieve the corporate goals and vision of the organisa­tion,” he said.

Mr. Boadi said he was motivated by the success story of one Mr. Michael S. Larbi who sat the ICAG examination many years ago and con­tinues to support other Chartered Accounting students.

“I have always aspired to be a Professional Accountant of great value to the entity I work for and that has been my biggest drive to understand the principles and practices of the accounting profession”.

The recent recognition notwithstanding, he is deter­mined to break new grounds in the years ahead. He com­mends his parents Nana Boadi, a Mechanical Engineer and a farmer, as well as his mother, Rose Nyarko for their support throughout the years.

He recalled his days with his Grandmother and his five other siblings who he de­scribed as a “good company” and a backbone to the prog­ress made so far.

“They do not give up easi­ly. I want to believe that they propelled me and helped me appreciate women better,” he stated.

Expressing gratitude to God, Mr. Boadi acknowledged the role of resilience and tenacity in attaining personal or organisational goals.

He praised his family, study partners, tuition providers, ICAG and the team at Ferfed for contributing in diverse ways to his educational and corporate journey.

“I feel humbled and grateful for the honour. The Almighty God has been the centre of it all and continues to be my help and strength,” he said.

He advised members of ICAG to always adhere to best accounting practices and remember that “a good name is better than riches.”

From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema.