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Sun, 12 Jan 2025 Feature Article

An Open Letter To His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama

An Open Letter To His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama

If Ghana’s economy is to thrive in the global market, the empowerment of women entrepreneurs is not optional—it is essential.

As the Ghanaian people celebrate the historic return of Your Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, to the highest office in the land, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your swearing-in as President. Your victory signifies a renewed confidence in your leadership, vision, and ability to navigate Ghana through challenging times. Many, including myself, are hopeful about the positive changes your leadership will bring.

Your commitment to economic reform, governance improvements, and the fight against corruption is both inspiring and necessary. These priorities, articulated in your inaugural address, underscore a readiness to tackle the critical challenges Ghana faces. As you embark on this promising journey, I humbly draw your attention to a matter of great importance and urgency: women empowerment and entrepreneurship. Empowering women entrepreneurs is not merely a social cause but an economic catalyst with the potential to transform Ghana’s future.

Women entrepreneurs form the backbone of Ghana’s economy, particularly in the informal and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) sectors. From traders in bustling markets to innovators in agribusiness, women contribute significantly to the nation’s development. Yet, despite their immense contributions, systemic challenges continue to hinder their full potential.

Among the pressing challenges are limited access to funding due to high-interest rates, gender biases and societal stereotypes that restrict women’s participation in high-value industries, complex regulatory requirements, and a lack of affordable training and mentorship opportunities. These barriers not only stifle the growth of women-led businesses but also limit Ghana’s overall economic progress.

Your Excellency, addressing these challenges requires decisive action. As part of your administration’s strategies, I propose the establishment of a Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund to provide affordable loans and grants tailored to women-led businesses, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Collateral-free loan schemes for women with viable business ideas but limited traditional assets would also be transformative.

Equally important is the promotion of capacity-building initiatives through partnerships with organizations to offer training on financial literacy, technology adoption, and business management. As women increasingly venture into high-value sectors, these skills will be critical for their success. This leads to the necessity of tackling gender bias in policy and practice by implementing frameworks to eliminate discriminatory practices in business and finance. Leadership development workshops for women in both the private and public sectors would prepare them for executive roles, ensuring their representation at all levels.

To create an ecosystem of support, I suggest the establishment of nationwide mentorship programs where experienced entrepreneurs guide emerging women business owners. Additionally, tax incentives for companies investing in women-led enterprises or employing a majority of women can drive private-sector participation. Mandating gender impact assessments for all economic policies will ensure inclusivity in decision-making processes.

Women entrepreneurs often balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities. Building childcare facilities in marketplaces and business hubs would ease this burden for working mothers. Furthermore, providing affordable leases, utility subsidies, and tailored healthcare packages for women entrepreneurs and their families would remove significant barriers to their participation in the economy. Programs focusing on mental health awareness and support for women juggling multiple roles would also have a meaningful impact.

Cultural norms and stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing entrepreneurship must be addressed. Collaborating with traditional leaders to advocate for women’s economic participation can shift societal attitudes and foster an environment where women feel empowered to lead.

The benefits of supporting women entrepreneurs are far-reaching. Women reinvest their earnings into their families and communities, enhancing healthcare, education, and nutrition for children. This ripple effect uplifts entire households, improving living standards and driving long-term societal transformation. Moreover, women entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives and creativity to business, fostering innovation that benefits the economy as a whole.

Empowering women also enhances Ghana’s global reputation. Countries that prioritize gender equity attract international investments and partnerships, showcasing themselves as progressive and forward-thinking. By addressing the challenges women face, Ghana can boost its GDP and solidify its standing on the global stage.

As an African proverb states, “When you empower a woman, you empower a nation.” Empowering women is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. Your leadership provides a unique opportunity to make women empowerment a national priority, bridging developmental gaps and fostering equitable growth.

Your Excellency, as you lead Ghana into a new era, know that you have the support and goodwill of a hopeful nation. Let us make this term a landmark period for women empowerment and entrepreneurship. Together, we can build a Ghana where every citizen, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from shared prosperity.

Yours in hope and solidarity,

Phebe Ejinkeonye-Christian

A Friend and lover of Ghana

Phebe Ejinkeonye-Christian, a certified life coach and business educator, is the CEO of Phebeon Consulting and Media Solutions Ltd, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. (+234(0)708-048-0510; [email protected])

Phebe Ejinkeonye-Christian
Phebe Ejinkeonye-Christian, © 2025

Ejinkeonye-Christian, a certified life coach, and business educator, is the CEO of Phebeon Consulting and Media Solutions Ltd, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria (+234(0)708-048-0510; [email protected]). More Phebe Ejinkeonye-Christian is a dynamic author, columnist, CEO, and business educator dedicated to empowering African women to achieve excellence in their careers and personal lives. As the driving force behind PHEBEON CONSULTING AND MEDIA SOLUTIONS LTD, she provides innovative media and business solutions that help small business owners enhance their visibility and drive growth.

As an accomplished author, Phebe has written several books and courses covering entrepreneurship, productivity, and purpose discovery. Her writings are practical, actionable, and designed to help individuals, particularly women, transform their ideas into reality. She also serves as a columnist, sharing deep insights on goal-setting, self-improvement, and business strategies that resonate with her audience.

Known as LadyPRIME, a title that encapsulates her core values—Purpose, Results, Influence, Impact, and Excellence—Phebe is committed to coaching and mentoring women to discover their potential, monetize their skills, and achieve their dreams with clarity and confidence. Her personal brand focuses on goal execution, accountability coaching, and public speaking on women-centered issues.

Phebe’s work as a business educator includes providing training on business branding, entrepreneurship, and productivity through platforms such as the ASCEND Virtual Academy, PHEBEON Business School, and public platforms, where she equips women and business owners with the tools and knowledge to scale their businesses and personal goals.

As a certified life coach, Phebe combines years of experience with a deep passion for guiding women in Africa to thrive in business and life. She offers tailored coaching programs, workshops, and boot camps that focus on purpose discovery, goal-setting, and achieving fulfillment.

With a strong focus on African women, Phebe is committed to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women to lead, grow, and succeed in various fields. Through her coaching and training programs, she inspires a new generation of women leaders who are bold, driven, and ready to make an impact.

Phebe Ejinkeonye-Christian is more than a coach; she is a movement, a voice, and a trusted mentor for African women seeking to rise, thrive, and excel in their personal and professional lives.
Column: Phebe Ejinkeonye-Christian

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