The Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana, Antoinette Kwofie, has called for increased investment in women’s economic empowerment, describing it as critical to Ghana’s future growth, prosperity and resilience.
She said empowering women to participate meaningfully in business and leadership required more than simply creating opportunities, but deliberate investment in digital skills, financial inclusion, professional networks and support systems that would enable women to succeed.
Ms Kwofie made the call at the 10th Anniversary Conference and Expo of the Executive Women Network (EWN), held at the Palms Convention Centre, under the theme, “A Decade of Leadership, A Future Toward Holistic Impact – Self and Family, Career, Legacy.”
She said women’s empowerment should be regarded not only as a social imperative but also as an economic necessity, given the contribution women make to businesses, households, communities and the wider economy.
“The future of Ghana will be shaped significantly by the progress of its women. When women are equipped with the right tools, opportunities and support systems, businesses grow, communities prosper and economies become more resilient,” she said.
Ms Kwofie said sustainable progress for women depended on access to information, digital tools, financial protection, business support and strong professional networks.
She noted that although opportunities were important, women also needed the capabilities, resources and connections to take advantage of them and translate those opportunities into sustainable economic outcomes.
She therefore urged women already occupying leadership positions to use their influence to create pathways for others, arguing that the true measure of leadership should include the lives transformed and opportunities created for those coming behind.
“Mentor that young woman. Champion her growth. Open a door. Make an introduction. Share the lessons your experience has taught you,” she urged.
Ms Kwofie also highlighted the role of corporate initiatives in advancing women’s professional development, citing MTN Ghana’s Yello Ladies Network as an example of the company’s commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership.
The network, which she helped establish as its founding Chair, supports the professional growth of women across MTN Ghana and forms part of the company’s broader commitment to achieving gender balance by 2030.
As MTN Ghana celebrates 30 years of connecting people and enabling progress, she said the company remained committed to creating an environment in which women could develop their careers, assume leadership responsibilities and contribute fully to the organisation’s growth.
“The advancement of women is fundamental to the advancement of society. At MTN, we believe that creating opportunities for women to succeed is not only good for business, but also critical to unlocking the full potential of our nation,” she said.
EWN marks 10 years of impact
The Chairperson of the Executive Women Network, Janet Sunkwa-Mills, said the organisation had directly impacted more than 10,000 lives through mentoring, capacity-building and youth empowerment programmes over the past decade.
She said EWN had grown from six founding members to a network of 200 members operating across 28 industries, reflecting the organisation’s expansion and influence since its establishment.
Ms Kwofie congratulated EWN on reaching its 10-year milestone and reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s commitment to supporting the network and its efforts to promote women’s leadership, professional development and economic empowerment.
The anniversary conference provided a platform for women leaders and professionals to reflect on a decade of leadership while examining how women could create broader impact across their personal lives, families, careers and society.
Ms Kwofie’s call placed investment in women at the centre of that conversation, stressing that building women’s capabilities, networks and access to financial and digital tools would be essential to unlocking a more inclusive and resilient Ghanaian economy.
