The government has renewed its push to expand investment in women-led businesses, urging stronger action from both public and private sectors to turn participation into ownership and growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President at the Women’s Investment Summit in Accra, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said Ghana cannot achieve lasting prosperity while women remain underfunded.
She said the summit’s theme, “Give to Gain,” reflects the need to invest in women who drive markets, households, and communities.
She noted that women-owned businesses account for about 44 per cent of micro, small, and medium enterprises, yet this level of participation does not always lead to real opportunity.
The minister pointed to ongoing barriers, including limited access to finance, gaps in investment, exclusion from supply chains, restricted access to export markets, limited asset ownership, and gender bias.
She warned that resilience alone was not enough, as it often leads to fatigue instead of growth without the right support.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare announced plans to launch a Women’s Development Bank to support women at the base of the economy.
“The bank is expected to offer concessional and collateral-free loans, alongside financial literacy training, business development services, credit guarantees, and outreach to rural communities,” she stated.
She said the government will focus on expanding access to long-term capital for women-led businesses, improving their participation in supply chains, and increasing their presence in export and cross-border trade.
She added that efforts must go beyond inclusion and translate into ownership and business expansion.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Oxford Africa Women Leadership Institute, Odelia Ntiamoah, called for stronger backing for women entrepreneurs.
She said access to catalytic funding and closer partnerships will help grow women-led businesses.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
