Entrepreneurship is often hailed as the backbone of economic growth and innovation, but according to Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi, founder of Miss Agriculture Ghana, the true key to sustaining a thriving business goes beyond securing funding.

Speaking at the Gastro Festival in Accra, Esther stated that while capital is essential for launching and scaling a business, mentorship determines whether an entrepreneur succeeds or fails in the long run.

“Funding is the bloodline of entrepreneurship, but mentorship is the lifeblood without which it dies,” the co-founder of the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness Ghana, stated.

“Many startups receive capital, yet they struggle to navigate the complexities of business growth because they lack the right guidance and support.”

Her remarks come at a time when Ghana’s startup ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, with increased support from financial institutions, government initiatives, and investors.

However, she pointed out that mentorship remains a missing piece for many young entrepreneurs, especially women in agribusiness.

Through her work with Miss Agriculture Ghana and the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness, Esther has championed mentorship programs that connect aspiring female entrepreneurs with industry leaders.

She believes structured mentorship networks can help businesses overcome challenges such as market access, branding, and financial management.

“Entrepreneurship is not just about access to capital; it’s about knowing how to make that capital work effectively,” she added.

“Without experienced guidance, many businesses struggle with sustainability, eventually leading to failure despite having access to funding.”

To address this gap, she is calling on policymakers, business leaders, and development organisations to invest in mentorship programs just as much as they invest in funding opportunities.

She urged stakeholders in both the private and public sectors to establish mentorship hubs where seasoned entrepreneurs can provide hands-on training and advisory support to emerging business owners.

“If we truly want to see more sustainable businesses in Ghana, we must recognize that funding alone is not enough. We need to equip entrepreneurs with knowledge, skills, and networks that will enable them to thrive beyond the startup phase.”

Her advocacy aligns with global discussions on building inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly for women in agribusiness.

She also highlighted the Chick4Chicks initiative, a six-week capacity-building program for women in poultry, organized annually by the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness.

She announced that this year’s program is set to begin soon, providing yet another opportunity for women in the sector to gain the skills needed to grow and sustain their businesses.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for agribusiness and innovation, Esther Twumasi’s message serves as a powerful reminder that while financial investment may start the journey, it is mentorship that ensures long-term success.