By: Rachel Quartey & Rukayatu Musah
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has described women’s economic empowerment as a matter of national economic development, stressing that the economic challenges confronting women have wider implications for Ghana.
She said access to affordable finance and the fragility of small businesses were challenges largely borne by women, making it important to create opportunities for them to develop sustainable livelihoods.
The Vice President made the remarks at the 3rd Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Northern Accra Diocese Women’s Fellowship, held at the Most Rev. Kwesi Dickson Memorial Methodist Church at Adjiringanor Airport East Circuit.
Speaking on the theme, “Walking in the Word, Equipped for Every Good Work,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang said the Government’s policy framework prioritised enterprise and economic transformation, with particular attention to women’s economic empowerment.
She cited the soon-to-be-launched Women’s Development Bank as an important step towards expanding financing opportunities for women.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang urged the Fellowship to strengthen its skills training programmes by incorporating digital skills, financial literacy and entrepreneurship to prepare women for the changing world of work.
She said equipping women with practical skills, alongside financial support and mentoring, could help transform knowledge into livelihoods and enable them to create opportunities for others.
The Vice President commended the Fellowship for its response to the Kantamanto Market fire, describing the intervention as an expression of the Methodist tradition of putting faith into service.
She encouraged the women to continue supporting others by sharing their knowledge, opening doors and responding to the needs of people in distress.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also acknowledged the Methodist Church’s contribution to Ghana’s development through education, healthcare and moral formation, and urged the women to deepen that tradition of service.
The conference brought together members of the Women’s Fellowship and other participants for worship, reflection and discussions centred on faith, service and personal development.
It was held under the Northern Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana.
