Empowering Women and Youth for a Sustainable Future. 1st Phase of the Green Growth Ghana Project Training Concludes in Wa
Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana – April 4, 2025 – The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), in collaboration with the Presbyterian University of Ghana (PUG) and with funding from the European Union Delegation in Ghana, has successfully concluded the first phase of the Green Growth Ghana Project training initiative. This event, held at the Blue Hill Hotel in Wa from April 3 to 4, 2025, caps a three-city training series that began in Tamale and continued in Bolgatanga, collectively equipping over 170 women and youth entrepreneurs with critical tools for driving sustainable economic transformation in Ghana’s northern belt.
Launched in October 2024 and funded by the European Union Delegation in Ghana, the Green Growth Ghana Project aims to reduce economic disparities in the Upper West, Upper East, and Northern Regions by unlocking the potential of agro-forestry value chains, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and integrating modern technology into traditional enterprises. Since January, participants have participated in interactive workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and roundtable discussions designed to foster innovation, resilience, and market competitiveness.
“The Green Growth Ghana Project aligns perfectly with our mission to stimulate inclusive economic growth, alleviate poverty, and tackle unemployment,” said Mr. Kabutey Caeser, GNCCI National Treasurer. “Through targeted training and enterprise support, we’re building resilient, green-driven businesses that deliver meaningful livelihoods, especially for women and youth, and offer sustainable alternatives to illegal mining.”
What Set the Wa Session Apart?
The final leg of this first phase of training was characterised by hands-on, participatory learning. Over two days, participants—60% of whom were women—engaged in dynamic sessions ranging from cooperative governance and climate-smart agriculture to digital literacy, financial management, and entrepreneurial leadership. Facilitated by seasoned experts, the workshops enabled peer-to-peer learning, real-time feedback, and collaborative problem-solving—all of which laid the groundwork for durable networks of practice beyond the classroom.
“Our goal has always been to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to flourish in a rapidly evolving economy,” added Mr. Christopher Addy-Nayo, Project Team Leader. “The high level of engagement we’ve seen underscores the urgent demand for initiatives like this, and we’re energized by what these communities will achieve.”
Advancing the SDGs from the Ground Up
The project aligns directly with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Strengthening women's agency in economic decision-making.
- SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Introducing renewable energy alternatives in production processes.
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Creating green jobs and promoting entrepreneurship.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Building climate-resilient business models and ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: From Training to Transformation
This is only the beginning. Following the successful wrap-up in Wa, the Green Growth Ghana Project will now pivot to deeper engagement through:
- Mentorship Programs that match emerging entrepreneurs with seasoned business leaders;
- Access-to-Funding Initiatives designed to unlock capital for scaling green ventures;
- Policy Advocacy Campaigns that push for enabling frameworks, including tax incentives and infrastructure development;
- Community Outreach Drives to embed sustainability values across rural communities;
- Advanced Training Modules focusing on renewable energy, agri-tech, and digital business acceleration.
