Stakeholders in the women empowerment agenda have been encouraged to develop the cause of women to attain higher leadership roles and to harness their potentials.
The Managing Director of GCB Bank PLC, Mr Kofi Adomakoh who made the call at the 2023 Annual Leadership Conference and the Female Future Programme graduation ceremony in Accra.
It was on the theme "Powering the Future with Balanced Participation in Decision Making" and 10 women staff of the GCB Bank PLC were part of the graduation class. The programme was organized by the Ghana Employers Association (GEA).
Mr Adomakoh bemoaned the under representation, lack of equal opportunities and career advancement of women in senior leadership positions, saying these constitute “significant obstacles for Ghanaian women in public and private organisations.”
“Women's participation in corporate leadership and decision-making is a critical issue affecting women's progress and development and the overall growth and success of institutions and our nation,” he said.
Mr. Adomakoh underscored the need for women’s participation in decision making in all spheres of life.
He commended the Ghana Employer’s Association for the inception of the Female Future Program as part of its efforts to bridge the gender gap in the corporate world.
He also encouraged all in attendance to work hand in hand to ensure the UN Strategic Development Goal (SDGs) 5 on gender equality is achieved. He further advised that women take on responsibilities and challenges to ultimately prove themselves as the leaders they are designed to be.
Mr. Adomakoh, called on employers to develop the potential of women employees by developing their capabilities and competencies to take up top level roles in their respective organization. He motivated the graduating cohorts to make a positive impact in their respective organizations and mentor the next generation of women to take up leadership roles.
The event was chaired by Hon. Elizabeth Ohene, Board Chair for SSNIT, who in her opening remarks, commended the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise for collaborating with the Ghana Employers Association to develop such a laudable initiative targeted at developing and preparing women to excel in leadership.
She congratulated the graduating class and urged them to be a shining light in their respective fields.
Ten women in managerial roles at GCB Bank PLC were part of the graduating class of 2023. They include Emelia Sackey, Yaa Ansaa Gyenfi, Nancy Nkansah-Boadi, Belinda Boakye-Kankam, Louisa Boamah-Frimpong, Nana Aforo Newman, Bernice Komey, Marie-Antoinette Mensah, Faustina Acheamfuor-Akowuah and Wilhelmina Asiamah.