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The 2024 edition of the Ghana Women Entrepreneurship Summit (GWES), dubbed the Market Queens Summit Edition, took place at the Accra Digital Centre under the theme “Building Market Women for Prosperity.” The summit, an initiative of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), this year sought to address challenges faced by market women while fostering resilience, empowerment, and sustainable growth among Ghana’s female entrepreneurs.
The event began with a warm welcome address by Antonia Ziga, the National Project Coordinator of GEA BizBox, followed by a statement of purpose delivered by the National Project Coordinator of WeRise Network/SheHub.
The highlight of the summit was the keynote address by Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency.
Keynote Address: Market Access for Sustainable Development
In her keynote, Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh underscored the vital role market women play in Ghana’s economic landscape.
She reflected on her personal connection to the cause, stating:
“The reason why market women’s issues are dear to my heart is that my grandmother was a market woman. She was able to care for her children, ensuring they all completed their education successfully. Many take your work for granted, but it’s not an easy job—it’s a big job. If you don’t sell at the market, who will?”
She emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting market women, noting President Akufo-Addo’s dedication to including them in national development plans.
Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh also acknowledged the challenges the market women face, such as limited access to finance, inadequate market infrastructure, child care issues, and a desire among many to upgrade their skills.
She assured participants that the summit would address these concerns while providing an opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing.
Educational and Health Engagements
The summit offered a well-rounded program that combined business insights with health and wellness education. Market queens and attendees participated in sessions focused on healthy living under the theme “Health and Wellness for Success.” Topics covered included managing blood pressure (BP), diabetes, fibroids, and cancer.
Participants had the chance to interact with medical professionals, seek advice, and share their concerns. The health experts included Dr. Promise Sefagah, CEO of Shapes Healthcare Specialist Medical Center; Naana Akyaa Asante of Embrace Society; and Isabella, founder of Isabella Health Services.
Empowerment Through Entertainment
In addition to learning opportunities, the summit featured moments of relaxation and camaraderie. Market women enjoyed music, dance, and networking activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere that blended business with pleasure.
A Legacy of Support
The Ghana Women Entrepreneurship Summit was established years ago to tackle the unique challenges women face in business. Through initiatives like GWES, the Ghana Enterprises Agency continues to champion the cause of female entrepreneurs, empowering them to thrive in their ventures and contribute significantly to national development.
This year’s edition reaffirmed the importance of market women in Ghana’s socio-economic framework, fostering dialogue and solutions to support their growth and sustainability.
