Ghana Leaders Boost Women's Economic Power at IWD Summit

Ghana has the laws to support women in business, but something crucial is still missing: the action to make those policies work in real life.

That's the message business leaders, policymakers, and advocates delivered at an International Women's Day event in Accra this month. The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce and British High Commission brought together key voices to move beyond talk and push for concrete change in women's economic participation.

Sheila Minkah-Premo, a lawyer and human rights activist, highlighted the heart of the problem. Ghana has passed important legislation like the Labour Act and National Gender Policy, yet women remain largely absent from economic decision-making roles.

"The challenge is not the absence of policy. It is the persistent gap between policy aspiration and institutional delivery," she explained. What Ghana needs now is political will, accountability, and proper funding to turn words into reality.

The numbers tell a stark story. Women hold only 25% of board positions and 14% of CEO roles on the Ghana Stock Exchange, according to British High Commissioner Dr. Christian Rogg. Those figures show how much room exists for improvement across both private and public sectors.

The Ripple Effect

The event's impact extends beyond one day of discussion. Male allyship emerged as a central theme, with speakers emphasizing that men in power positions must see gender equality as opportunity, not threat.

Dr. Rogg pointed out that men still occupy most positions of power globally. Real progress requires those leaders to actively champion change rather than simply step aside.

Minkah-Premo issued a direct call to male allies: listen, learn, and act with urgency and accountability. She reminded attendees that Ghana's entire economic future depends on including everyone equally in decision-making.

The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce is backing up the discussion with action. Executive Director Adjoba Kyiamah shared that the organization has already made significant progress empowering women and building resilience among young people through strategic partnerships and policy advocacy.

The British government also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women's empowerment through foreign policy initiatives and ongoing programs in Ghana. This international support adds weight to local efforts and creates pathways for sustained change.

The path forward is clear: turn Ghana's strong policy foundation into tangible results that put more women in leadership positions where they can shape economic decisions.