Ghana’s economic future depends on fully utilizing women's potential in business sectors. Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare made this clear at the 2026 Ghana Female CEOs Summit. She addressed leading female business figures at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City on Thursday, May 7. The Minister stated women are vital for Ghana’s global competitiveness and lasting economic strength. She acknowledged the significant hurdles women face in business. These include unequal access to opportunities and facing different judgment standards.
Women have shown great resilience in building companies and creating jobs. They have done this even during tough economic times. Minister Ofosu-Adjare highlighted that women make up about 51 percent of Ghana’s population. This makes them the majority and an underused force for national growth. She stressed that supporting women's economic inclusion is not just a symbolic act. It is an economic requirement for Ghana’s development goals to succeed.
Women are actively involved in Ghana’s economy. They own 40 percent of the country’s businesses. They also represent over 70 percent of the workforce in the food system. However, significant obstacles remain. Women still struggle to get loans and access formal agribusiness assets. International Finance Corporation data shows closing the gender financing gap for small and medium-sized businesses in sub-Saharan Africa could add $42 billion annually. McKinsey Global Institute projections suggest advancing gender equality in Africa could boost its GDP by $316 billion.
The government has introduced policies to support women in business. The Ghana Women’s Development Bank, funded with GHS 401 million in the 2026 budget, is a key initiative. This bank will offer specialized support. It will provide low-interest loans. It will also have flexible collateral rules. Mentorship and business development help will be specifically for women entrepreneurs. The recently approved 24-Hour Economy Authority Act 2026 is another important step. This law aims to create new job opportunities for women in manufacturing, food processing, retail, and hospitality.
Businesses operating under the 24-hour economy model will receive tax breaks. They will also get reduced electricity bills. Financing support will be available through EXIM Bank. The Affirmative Action Law 2024, implemented in July 2025, mandates more women in leadership roles in public and private sectors. The African Continental Free Trade Area also presents significant opportunities. Women-led businesses can benefit in areas like cassava processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and palm oil production. Ghana aims to increase non-traditional export earnings from $3.5 billion to $10 billion by 2030.
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry is launching programs to help women-led businesses. These include export readiness training and mentorship schemes. Gender-responsive trade facilitation systems are also being introduced. Industrial parks will offer incentives for women-owned manufacturing and agro-processing firms. At the next three zones enclave, women entrepreneurs will receive land rebates. Minister Ofosu-Adjare called for strong collaboration between government, businesses, and development partners. She urged viewing women entrepreneurs as key partners in national advancement. She concluded by quoting President Mahama: "When women succeed, families thrive, and nations prosper.".