ACCRA – Aisha Bengai, the Chief Executive Officer of Benguy Imports, has urged young women to invest their earnings in building businesses rather than spending on luxury items. She suggested redirecting as much as GHS 500 monthly spent on hair towards business capital. Ms. Bengai made these remarks during her keynote address at the 2026 National Ladies Conference. The event was organized by the Young Singles Ministry of the Assemblies of God at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Ms. Bengai encouraged attendees to prioritise entrepreneurship and long-term wealth creation. She stressed that many successful businesses can start with limited resources and disciplined financial choices. Her advice targets the common practice of spending heavily on fashion items like wigs and dresses. She advocated for building businesses first, stating, “When the time comes, you can buy them in bulk.”
This call to action fits into a broader narrative of economic empowerment for women in Ghana. Many women face challenges in accessing capital and growing their enterprises. Ms. Bengai's message supports government initiatives to boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a key driver of job creation. Data from the Bank of Ghana shows that SMEs contribute significantly to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Encouraging more women to start businesses can lead to increased household income and a stronger national economy.
Ms. Bengai highlighted practical strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs. She demonstrated how to use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp for marketing products effectively and building customer bases. These platforms offer low-cost or free avenues for businesses to reach wider audiences. She also shared principles of product sourcing, competitive pricing, and profit reinvestment for sustainable business growth.
The entrepreneur also introduced her “One Million Challenge” initiative at the conference. This is a mentorship program designed to support individuals aiming to build successful businesses and earn their first million cedis. Organisers confirmed that selected participants will receive free training and mentorship. Ms. Bengai shared her own experience, founding her first business at 16 in Belgium before rebuilding in Ghana after a setback. She has since trained over 30,000 entrepreneurs, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a new generation of business leaders.
The implications of Ms. Bengai's message are significant for financial literacy and economic development among Ghanaian women. By promoting a shift from consumption to investment, she aims to foster greater financial independence. Decision-makers and financial institutions will likely observe the impact of such initiatives on SME growth and women's economic participation. The success of her mentorship program could inspire similar efforts across the country.