MTN Ghana has launched the Y’ello Ladies Network, an all-female employee group, aimed at promoting career development, professional growth, and empowerment amongst women within the company.
The Network is open to all female employees regardless of their role, designation, tenure, or function.
Mr Stephen Blewett, MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, speaking during the launch in Accra, emphasised the company’s commitment to gender equality and the advancement of women in the corporate sector.
“We must grow our women; it’s not only beneficial for individuals but also for the business. Studies have shown that companies with at least 30 per cent female representation are better equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment,” he said.
Mr Blewett, while praising the network as an inspiring initiative, urged members to use it to make a positive impact in the community.
“Remember that it is not only about us; it also includes those we touch or impact with our activities here,” he added.
The network is founded on four key pillars: empowerment, inspiration, guidance, and coaching.
Antoinette Kwofie, MTN Ghana’s Chief Finance Officer, highlighted the importance of the Y’ello Ladies Network in promoting women’s leadership and career advancement.
She said, “The objective of the network is to create an inclusive environment that supports career development, empowers women to attain leadership roles, and encourages diversity and inclusivity within the workplace. It will also provide a sustainable platform to enhance the visibility of women and facilitate the exchange of experiences.”
Mrs Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a Presidential Advisor, who was the Special Guest of Honour, emphasised the significant role that networking played in career advancement and success.
Drawing from her personal experiences, she encouraged the women to be intentional about building meaningful connections and urged them to “never underestimate the value of a strong network. “True success comes when you build an entire ecosystem and create opportunities for others to thrive. That is what today is about.”
Two female Board Members of MTN Ghana, Nana Ama Botchway and Rosie Ebe-Arthur, also addressed the women encouraging them to have confidence in their abilities.
Janet Sunkwa-Mills, a Board Member of the Executive Women Network and Keynote Speaker, highlighted the benefits of deliberate investments in professional networks.
She noted that sustaining a thriving network required effort and commitment, saying “For a network to thrive, members must be intentional about their contributions and support for one another.”
On the topic of coaching, Dzigbordi Dosoo, Chief Executive Officer of DCG Consulting Group, emphasised the importance of self-development as a foundation go guide others.
She urged the women to view coaching as a tool for navigating both professional and personal challenges saying, “Coaching is about strengthening yourself so that you can uplift others.”
Focusing on the inspiration pillar, Taaka Awori, Chief Executive Officer of Busara Africa, encouraged the women at MTN to seek motivation from within rather than relying solely on external validation, observing that “Too often, women look outside for inspiration when they should be looking inward. We need to cultivate self-love and confidence.”
Ms Sika Twum, Chief Executive Officer of Self Search Ghana, emphasised the importance of guidance by highlighting the need for unity and innovation within the network.
She encouraged women to support one another and provide clear direction in times of uncertainty, saying “In moments of confusion, having a strong sense of direction is crucial. By committing to guide and uplift one another, we can achieve excellence together.”
On the topic of empowerment, Audrey Abakah, SME Lead at Absa Bank, emphasised the necessity for women to take ownership of their personal growth.
She pointed out that while organisations like MTN Ghana could offer support, it was essential for individuals to be proactive in seizing opportunities saying, “For true empowerment to be realised, women must be equipped and enabled.”
The event was attended by MTN Executives, Female Employees of MTN Ghana, Diversity and Inclusion Committee members of MTN Ghana, Leaders of various women’s associations amongst others.
