By Philip Antoh
The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has challenged institutions to dismantle the barriers that hold women back by creating fair opportunities for them to lead, advance their careers and grow their businesses.
She noted that although women have repeatedly proven their leadership capabilities across various fields, many still grapple with obstacles such as limited access to finance, unequal promotion opportunities and the heavy burden of domestic responsibilities.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang made the call at a Women’s Leadership Breakfast, which also doubled as the launch of the Women Allying Women (WAW) Ghana chapter, held in Accra yesterday.
She argued that society must go beyond applauding women who triumph against difficult odds and instead confront the very conditions that make them progress such an uphill task.
“We rightly admire women who succeed against the odds, but admiring exceptional women should not make us comfortable with those odds,” she said.
Drawing from her interactions with market women, the Vice-President observed that many possess sharp business skills, manage risks competently and support their families under extremely difficult conditions yet remain locked out of the finance and resources they need to expand.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said government was tackling some of these challenges through legislation and policy, pointing to the Affirmative Action Act and the Social Protection Act, 2025, both designed to promote fair opportunities and strengthen support for vulnerable groups.
She added that the proposed Women’s Development Bank is expected to improve women’s access to finance and help them scale up their enterprises.
“The idea is to develop financial arrangements that recognise women’s capabilities, respond to the realities of their enterprises, and give them greater opportunities to grow,” she explained.
In her remarks, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom and Founder of WAW, Olorì Atúwatse III, urged women to deploy their influence, networks and resources to open doors for others.
Women’s leadership, she said, should extend beyond personal success to helping other women access opportunities in business, public service and other fields.
“Come with more than admiration. Bring your excellence, bring your clarity, and bring the courage to ask for something specific. A selfie is lovely, but that’s not strategy,” she told the gathering.
Olorì Atúwatse III encouraged attendees to exchange contacts, share ideas and cultivate meaningful relationships that would fuel growth and collaboration.
She explained that the WAW Ghana chapter would serve as a year-round platform where established and emerging women leaders can connect and create opportunities for one another.
She also disclosed plans to extend the initiative to other African countries and the diaspora in due course.