The Women in Sustainable Enterprise (WISE) Project has completed its first cohort, benefiting 20 women entrepreneurs who received free hands-on training in financial literacy, financial management, and business management.
The training focused on practical day-to-day skills, including record keeping, budgeting, cash flow management, pricing, and basic business planning.
The WISE Project, organised by the Office of the Mayor of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), is supported by Menthane Consult and co-funded by the Simple Foundation, with coordination from the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) of the Ghana Enterprise Agency in Tema.
Speaking at the event held last Thursday, the Mayor of the TMA, Madam Ebi Bright, emphasised that these partners are united by a shared vision to strengthen women-led businesses and build a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient urban economy.
She stated that beyond skills development, the programme placed strong emphasis on immediate and practical support.
“Each beneficiary received a grant of GH¢2,000, injecting a total of GH¢40,000 directly into women-owned businesses across Tema,” she said.
The mayor stated that this financial support has made a noticeable difference, allowing participants to restock supplies, enhance operations, purchase vital equipment, and attract new customers. It demonstrates a clear understanding that women’s economic empowerment is most successful when knowledge is combined with prompt financial aid.
As the pioneer beneficiaries of the WISE Project, Madam Bright highlighted that these women stand as a living example of what radical inclusion can achieve at the local level.
She mentioned that their progress sends a strong and hopeful message: “investing in women is not charity, but a smart and sustainable development choice.”
Encouraged by the success of the inaugural cohort, the mayor affirmed the Assembly’s plan to expand the programme in 2026, offering more women the chance to benefit from the WISE Project.
At the end of the programme, each participant was awarded a certificate, marking not only the successful completion of the training but also a renewed sense of confidence, capability, and readiness to grow their enterprises.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
