The Rotary Club of Accra Airport, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Stainsborough, UK, and Ghana Outlook, has undertaken a comprehensive program to equip women with the necessary skills and financial support to start micro-businesses in Ghana. This collaborative effort seeks to empower these women to support their families and improve their livelihoods, contributing to the overall betterment of their communities.

Last year, the Rotary Club of Accra Airport, in partnership with its UK counterpart and Ghana Outlook, initiated a pilot program in the Kasoa Ofaakor district in the Central Region of Ghana. The program focused on providing skills training and financial support to economically disadvantaged women, empowering them to start micro businesses. The initial phase targeted ten women from the Presbyterian Church of Kasoa Ofaakor, equipping them with skills and resources to establish their own enterprises.

The pilot program’s success exceeded expectations, with all ten women successfully starting their businesses and contributing to their families and communities. This success prompted the Rotary Club of  Accra Airport, along with its partners, to return for a second round of support. This time, the initiative aimed to extend its reach and impact by assisting more women in the community.

In the second phase, sixteen women benefited from the program, receiving skills training and financial assistance. This training covered essential entrepreneurial skills such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and customer service. The financial packages provided allowed these women to purchase the necessary tools and equipment to start their businesses, setting them on a path to economic independence.

The second phase of the program which took place on Saturday, April 20, 2024, saw the active involvement of key members of the Rotary Club of  Accra Airport, along with other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Rotary Club of  Accra Airport, Peace Akwei, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the initiative and ensuring its success urged the women to give their best.

“We aim to empower women with skills and resources so they can improve their livelihoods and uplift their families. By supporting these micro businesses, we are fostering sustainable economic growth in the community.”

On his part, the Project Director for the Rotary Club of Accra Airport, Kojo Nunoo, oversaw the implementation of the program and provided guidance to the participants.

“The success of our pilot program showed us that with the right training and support, these women can achieve great things. The expansion of the program demonstrates our commitment to helping more women create opportunities for themselves and their families,” he said.

Also, Emmanuel Ankama, a representative from the stakeholders’ group, worked closely with the Rotary Club to ensure the smooth execution of the project.

“It’s inspiring to see how the support provided by the Rotary Clubs has changed the lives of these women. They are now able to contribute to their families and community in meaningful ways, and this initiative is a great example of how collaborative efforts can lead to lasting positive change.”

By empowering these women to start their own businesses, the Rotary Clubs and Ghana Outlook have not only improved individual lives but also contributed to the economic growth of the entire community. The women, now equipped with skills and resources, can support their families, send their children to school, and invest in their local economies.

Looking ahead, the Rotary Club of  Accra Airport, along with its partners, plans to expand the program to other regions in Ghana. The success of the initiative has sparked interest from other Rotary Clubs and organizations, with discussions underway to replicate the model in different parts of the country.