Ghana’s economic transformation depends on processing more of what the country grows- Vice President

Ghana's economic transformation hinges on the country increasing production, processing more of its agricultural products, and strengthening connections between local businesses and larger industries, according to Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in this transformation, as they already serve as producers, processors, traders, and employers across various sectors.

The government is dedicated to supporting women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing them with access to finance, skills, markets, and other necessary resources to grow from small businesses into competitive enterprises that can supply larger industries and export goods. The Vice President recently submitted an application for a banking license to the Bank of Ghana for regulatory approval through the Minister of Finance.

At the 5th edition of the Ghana Women Entrepreneurship Summit (GWES 2026) in Accra, the Vice President emphasized that businesses not only need funding but also the skills required to meet advanced standards and compete effectively with others. Simply having access to finance is insufficient if businesses cannot meet the quality, packaging, safety, and other standards demanded by larger buyers, supermarkets, and export markets.

The 2026 Summit focused on policy discussions, business forums, exhibitions, networking opportunities, pitching sessions, and the recognition of women entrepreneurs.