Stanbic Bank Ghana has launched a new women-focused banking proposition, Obaa Sima, aimed at expanding access to finance and business support for women, particularly those operating within the informal sector.

The product was unveiled last Thursday at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel under the theme “Unlocking the Strength of a Woman”, drawing a cross-section of regulators, development partners, clients, and senior executives of the bank.

The initiative comes at a time when women remain central to Ghana’s economic activity but continue to face structural barriers in accessing capital.

Available data shows that while women-owned businesses contribute about 44% of Ghana’s GDP, many struggle to secure formal financing due to limited collateral, smaller business scale, and restricted access to tailored financial products.

Delivering the keynote address, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Matilda Asante Asiedu, underscored the broader economic significance of empowering women through inclusive financial solutions.

She noted that the Obaa Sima solution reflects a well-thought-out response to the real needs of women in Ghana’s economy, particularly those driving activity in trade, agriculture, and emerging digital enterprises.

She described the launch as both symbolic and strategic, pointing out that beyond introducing a financial product, it reinforces a long-held truth: “When a woman rises, she lifts households, communities, nations and generations.”

She further highlighted the indispensable role women play across value chains.

"Women are central to economic activity, from Makola’s vibrant markets to agribusiness value chains, and the emerging digital enterprises.

"Women remain the backbone of macro, micro, small and medium enterprises. They dominate trade, and we can see some of them here with us today, agriculture, retail and increasingly, services and innovation, encouragingly,” she said.

Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank, Kwamina Asomaning, positioned the initiative within the bank’s long-standing commitment to financial inclusion and economic growth.

Drawing on the bank’s continental footprint and heritage, he explained that the Obaa Sima solution was developed from a place of deep understanding of the unique challenges women face.

He emphasised that while strategy and partnerships are critical, the foundation of the initiative is belief. A belief in the potential of Ghanaian women and in the role of financial institutions to connect ambition with opportunity.

 “Today’s launch is our statement of intent; a commitment to deepen inclusion and unlock the economic potential of Ghanaian women.

"From the entrepreneur in Kumasi, to the professional in Accra, to the trader in Tamale, and the young innovator building tomorrow’s enterprise, Stanbic Bank see you, Stanbic Bank understand you, and Stanbic Bank is committed to walking this journey of growth with you,” he said.

The Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, commended Stanbic Bank for taking a targeted approach to addressing the financing gap. She noted that improving women’s access to finance requires more than just credit.

She stated that it demands a combination of advisory services, capacity building, and sustained engagement.

According to her, the Obaa Sima solution signals what is possible when financial services are aligned with the real needs of women-led businesses.

While acknowledging existing progress, she called for coordinated action across stakeholders, urging financial institutions, government, development partners, and the private sector to collectively dismantle structural barriers that limit women’s participation in the economy.

Her remarks come amid persistent challenges in Ghana’s financial ecosystem. With about 92% of women engaged in the informal sector, many rely on informal financing channels, which often restrict their ability to scale and compete.

Studies by the World Bank and Ghana Statistical Service indicate that nearly 58% of women entrepreneurs cite lack of funding as their biggest constraint.

The Obaa Sima solution seeks to respond to these gaps through a combination of financial and non-financial offerings.

These include access to Stanbic’s business incubator for capacity building and financial literacy, opportunities to expand through international trade corridors such as Africa-China partnerships, and connections to offshore investment platforms.

Clients will also benefit from advisory services and tailored financial solutions designed to support business and personal financial growth.