Vice President Urges Investment in Girls and Women Entrepreneurs for Economic Growth

Strategic Insights -

Ghanaian Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has emphasized the importance of investing in girls and women entrepreneurs to foster economic growth on the African continent. Speaking at the 27th Zonta International District 18 Conference in Accra, she called on non-governmental organizations to support the government's efforts to promote gender equality. The conference, themed "Realising Equality: Building for an Even Brighter Future for Women and Girls in Africa," brought together representatives from 12 member countries, including Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nigeria, and Cote d'Ivoire.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ghanaian government is committed to gender equality, having expanded access to education, supported women in leadership, and strengthened protection against gender-based violence.
  • Non-governmental organizations must partner with the government to ensure real transformation in communities, and laws and policies must be complemented by grassroots efforts.
  • Zonta International, a global organization championing women's rights, has celebrated 55 years of service in Africa and has implemented various initiatives and partnerships with the United Nations.
  • Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey hailed the progress made in gender equality but emphasized that it remains an unfinished business, requiring further investment in girls and women in STEM fields.
  • Zonta International launched a STEM project to sponsor 16 females between the ages of 16 and 35, each with $10,000, starting in 2026.

Statistics:

  • 55 years of Zonta International's service in Africa, marked by the conference.
  • 12 member countries of Zonta District 18 represented at the conference, including Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nigeria, and Cote d'Ivoire.
  • 16 females will be sponsored through the Zonta International Stem project, each with a $10,000 allocation starting in 2026.

Sources:

  • Ghana News Agency (16 Oct 2025)
  • 27th Zonta International District 18 Conference proceedings
  • Zonta International President Salla Tuominen's address
  • Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey's speech