On March 7, 2025, the Grand Arena hosted an incredible celebration, as women from all walks of life gathered to make history at the 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo.
In honor of International Women’s Day, this event was held at Ghana’s renowned Grand Arena and reaffirmed its place as the country’s foremost conference for women.
The National Women’s Summit, held annually, has become an important part of Ghana’s commitment to gender equality. What began as a modest endeavor by Charterhouse six years ago has grown into an awe-inspiring meeting of women who share, mentor, and encourage one another.
Mrs. Theresa Oparebea Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse and summit organizer, couldn’t contain her excitement as she welcomed a varied throng that included teenagers, seasoned professionals, high-flying executives, and revered queen mothers.
This was more than just another conference; it was a tremendous, intergenerational celebration of women rising, thriving, and supporting one another. Mrs. Ayoade passionately highlighted her story, reminding the audience that no woman rises alone, and that mentorship, networking, and self-discovery are essential for unlocking untapped potential.
What is her challenge to the crowd? “Let’s not just talk about gender equality; let’s accelerate action!” If ever there was a cry to arms, this is it. Her remarks sparked a shared sense of purpose. The moment has come to act, and everyone has a role to play, whether they are young women, business leaders, or lawmakers.
Speaking of action, the keynote speaker, Mrs. Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association, delivered a stirring address on the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, challenging all present to go beyond implementation and ensure that this new law is lived, breathed, and reflected in real institutional change. Mrs. Ghartey reminded us that “true empowerment is not something that is given, but something that is earned through action.
” Shedding Light on Women in Agriculture Nana Yaa Owusu-Ansah, Beauty & Personal Care Marketing Director at Unilever Ghana & Francophone Africa, discusses the creative ‘Industry Spotlight on Women in Agribusiness’ section, a new addition to the summit. This engaging piece emphasizes the critical role that women play in Ghana’s agriculture sector, highlighting their triumphs, problems, and contributions to the industry.
As the summit’s lead sponsor, she stressed the critical role of women in agriculture and the partnership with the Geisha brand. “Geisha is extremely happy to be the headline sponsor of this important women’s summit once more. Geisha, like the wonderful women we recognize today, finds strength in nature’s loving touch. Geisha nourishes the skin with natural ingredients like chocolate, coconut, lemon, aloe vera, and rose, just like the women who grow the products that power our brand. Empowering female farmers is not merely a part of our purpose; it is the foundation upon which Geisha grows.”
He went on to make a bold brand promise, highlighting Geisha’s efforts to support women in agribusiness: “Today, Geisha is making significant measures to accelerate progress in agriculture. We are initiating a nationwide campaign to identify and support ten creative young women joining the agriculture profession. These ladies will participate in a rigorous training program designed to provide them with the tools they need to succeed. Not only that, but Geisha will provide each of them with startup capital to help them expand their businesses. I believe that when women in agribusiness prosper, they not only grow but multiply. Geisha is not simply investing in their businesses; we are igniting their potential and encouraging a future of plentiful harvests.”
From the beginning to the end of the event, some of the sharpest minds and most accomplished women leaders engaged in a series of discussions on critical issues ranging from overcoming leadership barriers for women in both the corporate and public sectors to the complexities of the Affirmative Action Law.
Panel Discussions
Accelerate Action: Removing Barriers for Women in Corporate (Public and Private Sectors)
This session focused on the issues that women continue to confront in business environments, particularly in breaking down barriers in both the public and private sector.
The conversation included the following:
• H.E. Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, Barbados’ High Commissioner to Ghana, whose international perspective on women’s leadership was an eye-opener.
• Maidie Elizabeth Arkutu, Former Unilever CEO & Senior Business Leadership Consultant, who shared her extensive experience breaking corporate glass ceilings.
• Hon. Sophia Karen Edem Ackuaku, Former Member of Parliament for Domeabra Obom, who brought valuable insights from her experience in public office.
• Mrs. Sheila Minkah-Premo, Convenor of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition Center, who focused on the legal and systemic barriers to gender equality.
• Janet Sunkwa-Mills, CEO of Jane’M Salon & Spa and Chairperson of the Executive Women Network who spoke to breaking mental barriers to progress
Women in Business Panel: Women Leading in Business & Entrepreneurship
A stellar panel featuring some of the most successful businesswomen in Ghana shared their personal journeys and business insights. The panelists included:
• Felicia Twumasi, CEO & Founder of Ghana Home Foods, who discussed scaling up businesses in a competitive market.
• Deloris Frimpong Manso (Delay), CEO of Delay Foods, who shared her entrepreneurial experience in a rapidly evolving industry. • Angela Mensah-Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN, who brought a technology perspective to assisting in the growth of businesses
• Amma Gyampo, CEO of Ghana Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (GVCA), who explored the world of investment and the need for more female participation in venture capital.
Affirmative Action Coalition Coordinator Becky Enyornam Ahadzi discussed how gender policy and business opportunity are intertwined.
The conference continued with an MTN SME IMPACT HUB that provided firms with technology-based solutions to increase their efficiency.
One of the summit’s highlights was the lively Youth Leadership & Career Forum. A Career Guidance Session hosted by Total Energies was part of this session, providing insightful counsel to the upcoming generation of female leaders.
With high-impact speed mentoring sessions conducted in partnership with the Executive Women’s Network, the enthusiasm continued to grow throughout the day, giving the next generation of women a special chance to network with seasoned mentors. In addition to offering career guidance, it gave young women the chance to take advantage of every opportunity, confidently assume their leadership roles, and discover how to become the leaders they were destined to be.
Naturally, a women’s meeting would not be complete without some shopping, which was made possible by the display of women-owned enterprises in the areas of packaged foods, fashion, health and wellness, herbs and spices, and more.
Many took away from the summit the clear message that “everything is possible with persistence and perseverance, despite the challenges and biases we face as women.” The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo served as a reminder to all of us, whether we are business owners, students, public servants, or corporate executives, that women are the future and that the only thing preventing us from achieving our goals is the action we have yet to take.
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