Stakeholders have called for renewed commitment and stronger collaboration to advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in Ghana, during an event held in Accra to mark International Women’s Day.
The programme, hosted by the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the British High Commission Accra, brought together business leaders, policymakers, and development advocates. Discussions centred on practical steps to address the low representation of women in economic decision-making, under the theme: “Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls.”
Delivering the keynote address, lawyer and development consultant Sheila Minkah-Premo said that although legal and policy frameworks exist to support women’s participation, progress remains limited.
She noted that despite laws such as Ghana’s Labour Act and the National Gender Policy, women continue to be underrepresented in key economic spaces.
“The challenge is not the absence of policy, but the gap between ambition and implementation,” she said, stressing the need for stronger political will, institutional accountability, and adequate funding.
Minkah-Premo also highlighted the importance of male allyship, urging men to play a more active role in advancing gender equality.
“Men must listen, learn, and act with urgency and accountability, recognising that Ghana’s economic future depends on the full and equitable participation of all,” she added.
British High Commissioner to Ghana, Christian Rogg, also called for sustained and inclusive efforts to drive change. He pointed out that women currently occupy about 25 percent of board positions and just 14 percent of CEO roles on the Ghana Stock Exchange — figures he said underline the need for greater representation.
Dr. Rogg emphasised that men, who still hold the majority of leadership positions globally, have a critical role to play in accelerating progress.
“Advancing women’s empowerment requires those in positions of power to see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity to be part of progress,” he said.
He reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting women’s empowerment through its foreign policy and ongoing initiatives in Ghana.
The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce says it will continue to prioritise women’s empowerment through partnerships and dialogue aimed at influencing policy and promoting inclusive growth.
Executive Director Adjoba Kyiamah noted that the Chamber has made significant progress in supporting women and building resilience among young people, helping to expand opportunities and drive positive social impact.
She added that the organisation remains committed to advancing inclusion and sustainable empowerment across Ghana’s business landscape.
The event was supported by Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC, a Sterling Member of the Chamber.