The Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have empowered 20 Ghanaian women in trade through the pilot Cross-Border Women in Development Networks project.
These 20 women, members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), received training in trade and were provided with tablets to support their businesses.
Speaking at the Conference Room of the National AfCFTA Coordinating Office today, July 29, 2024, Deputy Minister of Trade & Industry Nana Dokua Asiamah Adjei emphasized that addressing the challenges faced by women traders in border communities will significantly contribute to economic stability and development.
“Trade has evolved with digitalization, and with these tablets, traders can connect with suppliers to have goods shipped to them without the need for overseas travel,” noted Nana Dokua Asiamah Adjei. “This pilot project aims to explore how we can roll out the full initiative. In this digital era, these tablets enable traders to reach suppliers and set up online shops on social media platforms, boosting their sales beyond physical store transactions,” Nana Dokua Asiamah Adjei explained.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Pearl Opoku, coordinator for GUTA women’s wing expressed gratitude the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Deputy Minister, Nana Dokua Asiamah Adjei, for the continuous support towards women in trade.
The Cross-Border Women in Development Networks (WID) Initiative, developed by the ECOWAS Commission through its Directorate of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, acknowledges the crucial role of women in regional integration and the implementation of the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme (ECBCSP).
The initiative aims to assess and identify critical areas for intervention, building the capacity of women in border communities and empowering them through trade, agriculture, healthcare, education, and more.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu