The Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE) has officially named Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, as Patron of the Chamber. The announcement was made at the Young Women Business Summit, where stakeholders rallied behind a national call to accelerate economic empowerment for young Ghanaian women.

Delivering her keynote address, Mrs. Mogtari reaffirmed the National Democratic Congress’s commitment to advancing women-led development through targeted policies and inclusive growth strategies. She cited major proposals under a future Mahama-led administration, including the Big Push Agenda, the National Enterprise Project, the STEM initiative, and a newly proposed Women’s Development Bank, to be led by the Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.

“It only takes an empowered woman to empower another. We want to create a future where young women rise out of poverty, lead boldly, and mentor others along the way. President Mahama’s plans prioritize digital access, grassroots trade, rural irrigation, and female-focused capital support.”

Sherif Ghali, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, said the Chamber’s National Business Agenda is serving as a strategic roadmap for advancing youth and women entrepreneurship. The Agenda, first launched in 2023, outlines what government agencies, the private sector, development partners, and financial institutions must do to support entrepreneurial growth.

“We’re creating a platform for tracking progress, accountability, and collaboration across sectors. There’s a role for the presidency, ministries, and agencies. This is how we create a united front to support young women in business.”

The summit, designed exclusively to amplify women’s voices in enterprise, exceeded expectations, drawing more than 100 young women entrepreneurs and notable dignitaries. Ghali emphasized that what began as a maiden edition is now set to become an annual flagship initiative.

Modester Reuben, a communications specialist and founder of the Nuvanta Foundation, praised the event for its practical insights and empowering tone.

“It was interactive, educative, and impactful. This kind of platform helps women develop skills and begin their entrepreneurial journeys with confidence”

For others like Irene Combey, founder of Mother’s Kitchen in Kasoa, the summit highlighted the urgent need for platforms that specifically elevate women in male-dominated industries.