First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has commended efforts by government, civil society groups and all entities that are committed to entrepreneurial advancement of disabled women in business.
According to her, supporting disabled women in business is key to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Ghana.
The First Lady made this known at a fundraising gala night to support physically challenged women in business on Thursday, 29th November, 2018.
Recounting ongoing interventions by the Ministry of Business Development to support women entrepreneurs in Ghana, Mrs. Akufo-Addo said, “I recall the National Conference on Women Entrepreneurs organized earlier this year; the Capacity Building Seminar on Financial Inclusion for Women Entrepreneurs and the Health Walk, which took place during the celebration of the National Entrepreneurship Month.”
“His Excellency the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is very passionate about creating an entrepreneurial culture in Ghana, which will make Ghana the most business-friendly country in Africa. I am convinced that the hard-working women of this country will be playing a very important role in the achievement of this laudable vision even as we progress towards a ‘Ghana Beyond Aid,” she added.
She disclosed that while about 80% of women are engaged in various economic activities, predominantly in the informal micro to medium scale agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors of the economy, there are more women entrepreneurs and women-run businesses than those managed by men despite the numerous challenges.
Highlighting the achievements of women in business in Ghana, the First Lady said she was happy with the fact that under the Presidential Business Support Programme of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme of the Ministry of Business Development, 58% of the 1,350 beneficiaries, who received financial support, are businesses owned by women.
She said limiting the capabilities of women makes it extremely difficult for women to enterprise.
The First Lady bemoaned discrimination and violation of the rights of women with disabilities in all facets of life.
“Many of them have limited access to education, health care, decision-making, and employment opportunities, thus aggravating their conditions of poverty.
“It’s for this reason that I consider today’s fundraising event very important in supporting our disabled women in business towards the achievement of inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Ghana,” she stated.
The First Lady was confident that through the collaboration between the Ministry of Business Development and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, the entrepreneurial capacity of women can be improved significantly and urged women to also take advantage of the numerous opportunities under the industrialization agenda and various initiatives such as the Planting for Food and Jobs.
She commended the Ministry of Business Development for its work and called for increased advocacy to improve the lot of Ghanaian women.