Ghana's Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry Stresses Importance of Women's Economic Participation

• Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare emphasizes that women are the 'underutilised engine of national growth'.
• She urges the country to prioritize women's economic participation as a national economic priority.
• The Minister highlights the potential for women-led businesses to contribute significantly to Ghana's GDP.
• Says empowering women economically remains the 'single fastest route' to household prosperity and national resilience.

At the 2026 Ghana Female CEOs Summit, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasized the crucial role women play in Ghana's economic growth. According to her, women make up approximately 51 percent of Ghana's population and are thus an essential component of the country's development strategy. The Minister stressed that Ghana cannot achieve its economic ambitions while leaving half of its population underutilized.

The Minister's remarks at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City underscored the need for the country to prioritize women's economic participation as a national economic priority, rather than treating it as a social issue. She commended female business leaders for their resilience and contribution to Ghana's economy, emphasizing that their enterprises are evidence that 'assets and ambition when combined produce extraordinary results.'

Unlocking the Potential of Women-Led Businesses

Minister Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the potential for women-led businesses to contribute significantly to Ghana's GDP. She referenced figures from international institutions, citing the International Finance Corporation's estimate that closing the gender financing gap for small and medium-sized enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa could unlock $42 billion in annual economic value. The McKinsey Global Institute projects that advancing women's equality in Africa could add $316 billion to the continent's GDP.

The Minister further emphasized that empowering women economically remains the 'single fastest route' to household prosperity and national resilience, noting that women consistently reinvest most of their income into their families and communities.

Government Interventions to Support Women-Led Businesses

Minister Ofosu-Adjare outlined several government interventions aimed at supporting women-led businesses, including the establishment of the Ghana Women's Development Bank. She described this initiative as 'the most targeted financial intervention for women in this country's history.'

The Minister urged stakeholders to convert discussions into measurable action, stressing that women's economic participation is not a gender programme but rather a national competitiveness strategy. Countries that unlock the full productive potential of their women grow faster, prove more resilient to economic shocks, and build more equitable societies, she added.

Building an Inclusive and Competitive Economy

Minister Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed the government's commitment to building an inclusive and competitive economy. She emphasized the need to create an economy that is resilient, competitive, and worthy of the women who are leading it.

The Minister's call to action underscores the importance of prioritizing women's economic participation as a national economic priority. By empowering women and unlocking their potential, Ghana can achieve its economic ambitions and build a more inclusive and competitive economy.

Looking Ahead

As Ghana continues to navigate its economic challenges, the Minister's remarks at the Ghana Female CEOs Summit serve as a timely reminder of the crucial role women play in the country's development strategy. With the establishment of the Ghana Women's Development Bank and other government interventions, the country is taking steps towards unlocking the potential of women-led businesses.

The Minister's emphasis on the need for measurable action underscores the importance of translating rhetoric into tangible results. As Ghana builds towards a more inclusive and competitive economy, it is essential to prioritize women's economic participation and create opportunities for their growth and development.