GNCCI Commits to Developing Women and Youth Led Businesses

Takoradi: Mrs. Emelia Asiakwa, the First Vice President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), says Ghana cannot fully realize its economic aspirations without the active participation and leadership of women and youth led enterprises.According to Ghana News Agency, women and youth businesses accounted for 44 percent of all Medium Small and Micro Enterprises in Ghana. Mrs. Asiakwa highlighted the World Bank's findings as a testament to their vital role and emphasized the need to support them for sustainable economic growth during the Western Regional launch of the GNCCI Women and Youth Wing project.She revealed that while data on youth-led enterprises were less defined, it was evident that a significant portion of the entrepreneurial landscape was shaped by youthful ambition and innovation. The Women and Youth-led initiative aims to nurture innovation and equip women and youth with critical tools to start and scale businesses successfully through targeted interventions that impro ve access to finance, markets, and business services.The GNCCI First Vice President noted that through business clinics, trainings, mentorship, Business to Business platforms, and networking, the initiative would foster a new generation of business leaders who are equipped, inspired, and empowered. She urged the women and youth at the launch to embrace the initiative, emphasizing the importance of building resilient, innovative, and future-ready enterprises that would transform the region and the nation.Mrs. Asiakwa also praised Mr. Stephan Miezah, the National President of the GNCCI, for his inclusive approach. She acknowledged his unwavering commitment to inclusive growth and his visionary drive for private sector transformation, which have paved the way for progressive initiatives.Madam Gifty Afadzi, a local manufacturer and participant, described the initiative as a valuable tool for enhancing the knowledge of women and youth, enabling them to seize local and international business opportunities to spur prosperity.