Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Ghana, Angela Mensah-Poku, has called for stronger support systems, mentorship, and digital tools to help women entrepreneurs formalize their businesses and thrive in Ghana’s informal economy.
Speaking at the maiden “She Builds Conference” in Accra, organized by the Academic Women Foundation in partnership with MTN Ghana, she noted that while women dominate Ghana’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many are unable to scale up due to lack of formal registration, digital identity, and access to funding to be entrepreneurs.
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“Many women entrepreneurs are turning over hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet they remain outside formal systems.
Without digital identification, financial records, or professional structures, their businesses cannot attract the needed investment to grow,” she explained.
She further urged deliberate efforts to increase women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, stressing that inclusivity in these fields was crucial for national development.
The conference, which brought together leaders from government, academia, and the private sector, highlighted the need for stronger action in advancing women’s empowerment and leadership.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, encouraged women to move from the margins to the center of decision-making and nation building.
She noted that power should not be reduced to mere positions, but should be understood as influence, impact, and inclusion.
“For generations, women’s voices, talents, and leadership have been confined to the margins—applauded, yet undervalued.
But the margin is no longer enough. Women belong at the center of decision-making, innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development,” she said.
She described the recent passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act, 2024 (Act 1121) as a “game changer” for women’s representation in politics, governance, and public life.
Founder of the Academic Women Foundation, Dr. Anatu Mahama, emphasized the importance of mindset, skills, and authentic mentorship in inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
“We need honesty in female mentors who engage with young women.
It gives them hope and shows that women can make significant strides if they adopt the right mindset and uphold standards of excellence,” she said.
Dr. Mahama also encouraged young women to see challenges as opportunities to break barriers and glass ceilings.
The “She Builds Conference” reaffirmed the collective belief that with persistence, inclusive policies, and supportive structures, women can drive lasting social and economic transformation in Ghana and across Africa.
