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Women Empowerment… Perspectives of prominent women in Ghana
Akosua Frema Osei-Opare
Women empowerment in Ghana has made significant strides over the years with both government and non-governmental organisations playing key roles in achieving it.
Women’s equality and empowerment is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), but also integral to all dimensions of inclusive and sustainable development.
Women and girls, everywhere, are entitled to equal rights and opportunity, and be able to live free of violence and discrimination.
The SDG five states that “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls,” and it is well-known for all countries to achieve this by 2030.
The Spectator this week looks into the perspective of some prominent women in the land and how they have or hope to achieve the SDG goal five in Ghana.
Rebecca Akufo-Addo
During the commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 this year, the First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, stressed the need to engage in dialogue and reflect on societal progress in dismantling barriers that hinder women’s empowerment.
She explained that although there had been significant progress over the years, there was still much work to be done, adding that “we all look forward to the day where no one is discriminated against or limited because of their gender.”
This year’s IWD is on the theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” with a focus on addressing economic disempowerment, while the campaign theme for this year is “Inspire Inclusion.”
Over the years, Mrs Akufo-Addo said, her office had provided a platform for women to share their stories, addressing achievements, challenges, and recommendations. This initiative aimed to shed light on the journey towards gender equality.
In April this year, she said women empowerment must go beyond advocacy and policy. She said it must focus more on changing mindsets and stereotypes.
According to her, “empowerment is more than policies and programmes, it’s a mindset change. It is about challenging outdated stereotypes, dismantling patriarchal structures, and fostering a culture of respect and equality.”
The First Lady said this at an event to celebrate women put together by Pascal Gally, a play maker.
She said the new approach would induce change, and promote more inclusiveness which would position countries globally to reap more benefits.
“Multiple studies show that trillions of dollars can be added to global growth by advancing gender empowerment. Empowering women is not just a moral obligation, it is an economic and social imperative. When women are empowered, economies thrive, communities prosper and societies flourish,” she stated.
Akosua Frema Osei-Opare
The Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, expressed belief in the power of women, stating, “Wherever there is a woman, there is a possibility. There is no force so powerful than an empowered woman.”
She lauded Ghanaian women for the critical role they play in driving Ghana’s digital transformation.
Addressing the gathering of female CEOs, entrepreneurs, and innovators, Mrs Osei-Opare in April this year underscored the undeniable impact of technology in reshaping industries and societies.
She also spoke at the 7th Ghana Female CEOs Summit, held under the theme “Leading Ghana’s Digital Renaissance: Women CEOs Shaping the Future of Business and Innovation.”
Mrs Osei-Opare acknowledged the persistent gender disparities that persist in the business world, particularly within the technology sector.
She highlighted the barriers women face in accessing resources, opportunities, and leadership positions, hindering the realisation of their full potential.
Calling for collective action, Mrs Osei-Opare urged attendees to redouble their efforts in promoting gender equality, fostering inclusive environments, and breaking down barriers that hold women back.
She stressed the importance of creating ecosystems that empower women to thrive, innovate, and lead with confidence.
“Let us seize the opportunities that the digital age presents, harness the power of technology to drive meaningful change, and ensure that women are not just participants but change leaders in shaping the future of business and innovation in Ghana and beyond,” the Chief of Staff said.
She encouraged women to embrace their unique strengths, pursue their passions relentlessly, and recognise the significant impact they can make in driving societal advancement.
Mrs Frema Osei-Opare has served as a beacon of hope for women and has been a staunch advocate for market women, professionals and entrepreneurs, recognising their invaluable contributions to the country’s economy.
By championing their rights and interests, Madam Osei-Opare has sought to create an enabling environment for them to succeed and prosper.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, reemphasised the crucial role women play in driving economic growth and development of the country, and pledged to champion initiatives that would provide greater opportunities for Ghanaian women entrepreneurs.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang during her official unveiling as the running mate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Accra reiterated that women do not need handouts; they need opportunities to work hard and become successful, just like men.
“Women are the backbone of our society, and it is time we recognise their immense contributions and empower them to reach their full potential. As the next Vice President of Ghana, I will work tirelessly to ensure that women in this country have access to the resources, training, and support they need to succeed in business and become leaders in their communities,” she stated.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang explained that the bank would provide access to capital for women entrepreneurs, who are often underserved by traditional financial institutions.
“Women entrepreneurs must have access to capital for the entire sector to boost their businesses. That is why we will actively pursue the establishment of a Women Development Bank to nurture and grow women-owned, women-led businesses,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang.
She added that the vision for the Women Development Bank was to have a fully represented board, comprising trading associations and cooperatives that will make decisions and be accountable to its members.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also highlighted the positive impact of women’s prosperity on families and communities, including increased stability, peace at home, and reduced dependency on financial support.
Referencing the achievements of entrepreneur Esther Ocloo, Professor Opoku-Agyemang encouraged the revival of the dreams and actions of successful entrepreneurs as models for aspiring business owners and underscored the need to support and appreciate those who participate in the private sector, regardless of personal preferences or biases.
She called for an end to the ‘killing of dreams’ of successful women entrepreneurs and called for encouragement, appreciation, and support for those participating in the private sector.
“Market women deserve the benefits of a clean, modernised marketplace and effort should not be limited to the Kejetia or Kotokoraba markets,” she said.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Local mattress manufacturers have raised serious concerns over the influx of substandard mattresses, warning that these products pose significant health risks to consumers and threaten the sustainability of Ghana’s mattress industry.
At a press briefing held in Kumasi on Tuesday, manufacturers accused unregistered foreign entities, particularly Chinese firms, of flooding the market with cheap mattresses made from polystyrene.
Mr Yaw Ampem Darko, a spokesperson for the local manufacturers, warned that prolonged use of substandard mattresses, especially those made with polystyrene, could result in chronic back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, poor posture, and diminished sleep quality.
These health implications, they stressed, were not always immediately evident but accumulate over time, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
This material, typically used for packaging, is considered unsuitable and unsafe for bedding.
According to industry leaders, these sub-standard products have been circulating for at least five years, gaining traction among unsuspecting consumers due to their unusually low prices.
“These mattresses are being sold at suspiciously low prices, luring unsuspecting consumers who are unaware of the health dangers.”
“We are not just protecting our businesses; we are protecting Ghanaian lives. The government must act swiftly to stem this tide before more citizens fall victim to these dangerous products,” Mr Yaw Ampem Darko stated.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has acknowledged the issue and, in response, announced a nationwide enforcement campaign aimed at clamping down on the production, distribution, and sale of substandard mattresses.
The campaign, which was scheduled to take effect from September 30, 2025, was empowered by the GSA Act, 2022 (Act 1078), which authorises the Authority to seize and seal non-compliant products and impose sanctions on offenders.
In a statement signed by the Director General of the GSA, Professor George Agyei, the authority cited Sections 29 and 43 of the Act, reiterating that all mattresses sold in Ghana must meet established national standards or face confiscation.
The statement further emphasised that mattresses failing to meet these standards not only compromise sleep quality but also contribute to long-term health complications, including spinal and neck pain.
Despite the GSA’s commitment, manufacturers have expressed frustration over delays in implementation and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
They urged the GSA to work in close collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and national law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute violators of Ghana’s quality standards.
Manufacturers are also appealing to consumers to remain vigilant and prioritise their health by verifying that any mattress they purchase bears the GSA certification mark.
Moreover, they caution the public against purchasing suspiciously cheap mattresses that lack proper labelling or identifiable branding, as these were often indicators of substandard or counterfeit products.
As the official enforcement deadline had expired with no show, the local producers insisted that much more than business interests were at stake.
They argued that without swift and sustained action, the health and safety of Ghanaian consumers would continue to be compromised.
“Public awareness, strict enforcement, and collaboration among regulatory bodies are essential if we are to protect the integrity of the local industry and the wellbeing of the Ghanaian people,” Mr Darko indicated.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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The Founder of the Raissa Child Protection Initiative, Ms Raissa Sambou, has urged authorities to impose severe punishment on individuals, including teachers and guardians, who sexually abuse young girls.
Speaking in an interview to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Ms Sambou condemned the increasing cases of sexual exploitation involving minors, describing such acts as “heartless, criminal, and a total betrayal of trust.”
She noted that those entrusted with the care and education of children must not be the same people who violate them, stressing that “anyone found guilty of abusing a girl child must face the full rigours of the law without leniency.”
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually to promote the rights of girls, empower them to reach their full potential, and draw attention to the challenges they face worldwide.
Ms Sambou lamented that poverty continues to push many young girls into vulnerable situations, exposing them to exploitation.
She expressed concern that some headmasters, teachers, and community members who should protect girls rather take advantage of them.
“This must stop immediately. The safety of every girl must never be compromised,” she said, urging the public to report all forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities and called for swift action by law enforcement agencies against perpetrators.
Addressing girls directly, Ms Sambou encouraged them to take their education seriously and to believe in their potential.
“It is possible to be young and responsible. Your future is bright, protect it, believe in it, and never let anyone dim your light,” she advised.
She further urged girls to choose their friends wisely, stay disciplined, and speak up if anyone makes sexual advances toward them.
Ms Sambou concluded with a rallying call for collective action, saying “speak up, protect them, and empower them. Together, we can end the sexual exploitation of girls.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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