By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Takoradi
The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has inaugurated the Sekondi-Takoradi branch of its Women and Youth Wing (GNCCI-WAY), reinforcing its commitment to promoting inclusive private sector growth across the Western Region.
The initiative seeks to empower women and youth through entrepreneurship, skills development, mentorship, and enhanced access to finance and markets. It is also part of a broader national strategy to foster inclusive economic transformation by tapping into the potential of underserved demographics.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Emelia Assiakwa, 1st Vice President of GNCCI, described the programme as a bold and visionary step. “Today, we are not simply launching a branch-we are launching a movement,” she declared. “A movement that puts women and youth at the forefront of commerce, innovation, and enterprise.”
She cited data from the Development Bank Ghana indicating that women-led businesses make up 44percent of all micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the country-a strong base for building inclusive economic growth. While data on youth-led businesses remains limited, she acknowledged the increasing influence of young innovators in Ghana’s business ecosystem.
According to her, the GNCCI-WAY programme will roll out targeted interventions, including entrepreneurship clinics, leadership and management training, business-to-business (B2B) platforms, mentorship, and networking opportunities all tailored to the needs of female- and youth-led enterprises.
“Ghana cannot achieve its full economic potential without the active involvement and leadership of women and youth,” Mrs. Assiakwa emphasized. “GNCCI is ready to champion policy reforms and provide practical business support in collaboration with the private sector and development institutions.”
She added that GNCCI-WAY is envisioned as a springboard for nurturing a new generation of resilient, future-ready entrepreneurs across Sekondi-Takoradi and beyond.
GNCCI President Stephane Abass Miezan echoed this vision, emphasizing the Chamber’s resolve to improve the lives of women and youth through impactful initiatives. “The youth today are full of innovative ideas that need the support of institutions like ours,” he noted.
Also addressing participants, Ekow Mensah, Managing Director of Venture Scale, urged women entrepreneurs to stay committed and strategic. “Be serious with your time, have a clear target for your business, and most importantly, learn how to make money,” he advised.
