Madam Benita Sena Okity-Duah, National Coordinator of the Free Senior High School Secretariat, has underscored the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs, saying women’s empowerment creates a ripple effect that benefits families, communities and the nation.
She highlighted government’s commitment to supporting women’s economic empowerment through initiatives including the proposed Women’s Bank and the Ghana Enterprises Agency Women Support Fund.
Speaking at the Volta Women Entrepreneurs Forum, one of the highlights of the Seventh Volta Trade and Investment Fair (VTIF), the former Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection said women were central to Ghana’s economic transformation, leading enterprises, creating jobs and sustaining households, while assuring that government remained committed to women’s advancement.
“We remain resolute in building an inclusive, supportive and equitable environment where women can rise without limitation and succeed without apology. When women thrive, communities prosper; when women lead, nations flourish; and when women are empowered, the future is brighter,” she stated.
Madam Okity-Duah described the theme, “Empowering Volta Entrepreneurs for Global Partnerships and a Thriving 24-Hour Economy,” as a forward-looking national vision driven by innovation, inclusion and the leadership of women as architects of Ghana’s next phase of economic growth.
Chairing the forum, Mama Dzogasi II, Queen mother of Kpando Gadza in the Akpini Traditional Area, said the theme was a reminder that every woman carried a gift and purpose, and encouraged participants to seize new opportunities, support one another and work towards a future in which no woman was left behind.
“Our focus today is simple – to support Volta women to grow their businesses, connect to international markets and actively participate in a vibrant 24-hour economy. When women are empowered, families become stronger, communities advance and our region progresses,” she said.
Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, emphasised the significance of the forum, noting the need to match the Region’s talent and resilience with opportunity, resources, mentorship and access. He assured that the Regional Coordinating Council and partner agencies were committed to creating an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs to excel.
“We will work to improve access to affordable financing, simplify business registration, provide skills training and advocate policies that protect and promote women-owned enterprises. You are not alone,” he assured.
The event, which focused on empowering Volta women in entrepreneurship, manufacturing, industry and business, aimed to strengthen their contribution to economic development, unlock global opportunities and promote a thriving 24-hour economy.