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| Network of Women Entrepreneurs in Ghana |
12/11/2011 |
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Ms Hanna Tetteh, Minister for Trade and Industry, yesterday advised young entrepreneurs to move away from working as individuals and harness the prospects of group work for them to easily access funding to expand their businesses.
She also challenged them as worst offenders of proper bookkeeping, to practice sound organisational skills in order to sustain their businesses.
She indicated that most Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) have collapsed because their owners failed to observe fundamental business practices, adding “success is not a matter of only academic qualification, but also the ability of a person to organise and manage a business and succeed.”
Ms Tetteh gave the advice at the launch of yet another women empowerment programme, the Network of Women Entrepreneurs (NETWET) in Accra.
The Network which seeks to promote monitoring, guidance, support and networking among young women entrepreneurs in Ghana was formed to complement the efforts of existing associations, to enhance the livelihoods of their members through constant business development services in the area of training, counseling and finance.
Members of NETWET, who are all beneficiaries of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Vocational Training for Female (VTF) programme aimed at enhancing employment opportunities of women through the promotion of Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET), are currently successful entrepreneurs of diverse enterprises.
Ms Tetteh commended the Church for her immense contribution towards the empowerment of girls through their technical and vocational training programmes.
Ms Tetteh urged both the executives and members to endeavour to build their businesses on total trust, hard work and quality assurance, while strengthening communication and collaboration at all levels.
She indicated that the Ministry has various programmes to support SMEs and pledged its support to the Network to empower women entrepreneurs in the country to expand their businesses.
Ms Tetteh acknowledged the importance of empowering women through the creation of the necessary enabling environment and making the resources available to ensure their independence and further reduce poverty among the less privileged in societies.
Mrs Leticia Osafo Addo, Vice-Chairperson, VTF Board, said the programme has supported over 600 young women with skill training, equipment, tools and other resources since its inception in 2006 to be able to be on their own.
He said establishing NETWET will provide the young women with the voice for micro-entrepreneurs in terms of advocacy for policies to create the enabling environment for their businesses, promote savings among members, and embark on activities for further development of their members.
She urged members and all other young entrepreneurs to strive for excellence through the practice of proper time management, reliability and be committed to their customers.
Mrs Juliana Azumah Mensah, Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, called for strengthened collaboration among the various women organisations whose aims and objectives are similar to empowering women.
She said MOWAC is committed to supporting the course of women to ensure that they are liberated in every sense to ensure national development.
Source: GNA
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