Live Blog Recap

Ghana is joining the global community to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) with events highlighting women’s achievements, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. Across the country, government agencies, civil society groups, and community organizations are hosting discussions, campaigns, and outreach programs focused on advancing women’s rights, economic inclusion, leadership, and protection from gender-based violence.

Session started: Sun, Mar 8, 2026 1:52 PM

Session ended: Sun, Mar 8, 2026 6:11 PM

1:00 PM - Empowering women key to national prosperity – Mahama marks International Women’s Day

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a stronger national commitment to empowering women and girls, stating that investing in their growth and opportunities ultimately benefits the entire country.

In a message to mark International Women’s Day 2026, the President emphasised that empowering women leads to broader social and economic transformation.

The global observance this year is being held under the theme “Give to Gain.”

“When we give opportunities, resources, and unwavering support to our women, we gain as a country,” President Mahama stated. He added that the impact of women’s empowerment goes beyond individuals to strengthen families and communities across the nation.

“We have seen time and again that when women are empowered, entire families and communities are transformed,” he said, urging stakeholders to work together to remove obstacles that hinder the progress of women and girls.

President Mahama also called on Ghanaians to use the occasion to renew their commitment to gender equality.

“Let us commit ourselves to breaking down barriers, creating pathways to success, and ensuring that every Ghanaian woman and girl has the chance to reach her full potential,” he said, adding that investments in women’s empowerment multiply into prosperity for the entire nation.

2:15 PM - Karpowership Ghana empowers female engineering students at UG to mark International Women’s Day

Karpowership Ghana, in partnership with the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, commemorated International Women’s Day 2026 with an industry engagement.

It was aimed at equipping female engineering students with the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to pursue careers in engineering and the energy sector.

The event, organised under Karpowership Ghana’s theme “Empowering Women, Powering Lives,” aligned with the global International Women’s Day campaign theme “Give to Gain.”

It brought together female engineering students for mentorship, career conversations, and practical insights designed to bridge the gap between academic training and industry practice.

Delivering the keynote address on the topic “Breaking Barriers, Building Impact: Thriving as a Woman in Engineering,” Harriette Amissah-Arthur, Executive Partner at Arthur Energy Advisors, encouraged students to pursue excellence with confidence, preparation, and resilience.

Drawing from her professional journey, she emphasised the importance of technical competence, continuous learning, and strong professional networks in overcoming barriers women often face in engineering.

She noted that although progress has been made globally, women remain underrepresented in many technical and leadership roles within STEM fields.

“Engineering is not just a profession; it is nation-building. When women make an impact in engineering, entire systems become stronger,” she said.

Ing. Amissah-Arthur commended Karpowership Ghana for creating opportunities that connect students with industry professionals, noting that initiatives focused on mentorship and exposure strengthen the future engineering workforce.

She further emphasised that investing in women aligns with the International Women’s Day theme “Give to Gain,” in which supporting women ultimately strengthens institutions, industries, and national development.

Following the keynote address, a panel discussion explored practical strategies for navigating careers and overcoming barriers in engineering. Panellists highlighted the importance of personal agency, mentorship, and self-development in complementing policies that promote gender equality.

They encouraged students to build confidence, set professional boundaries, and develop complementary skills beyond technical training, including communication and financial literacy, to enhance their professional growth.

2:22 PM - Lordina Mahama urges Ghanaians to support gender equality on International Women’s Day

The First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has called on Ghanaians to take practical steps to promote gender equality as the country marks International Women’s Day 2026.

In a message issued on March 8, Mrs Mahama urged individuals to reflect on the role they can play in advancing opportunities for women and girls. She encouraged Ghanaians to support initiatives such as mentoring young female entrepreneurs and advocating equal educational opportunities for girls.

She emphasised that investing in women brings benefits not only to families but also to communities and the nation as a whole.

“When women succeed, society prospers,” she noted.

Mrs Mahama also acknowledged the progress Ghana has made in areas such as girls’ participation in STEM education, increased support for women farmers and the growing number of women occupying leadership positions.

Despite these gains, she stressed that more work remains to be done, highlighting persistent challenges including school dropouts among girls and limited access to funding for women.

The First Lady expressed optimism that initiatives such as the Affirmative Action Bill and plans to establish a Women’s Development Bank will help expand opportunities for female entrepreneurs across the country.

2:27 PM - Empowering women is a strategic investment in better governance – Vice President Opoku-Agyemang

Ghana’s Vice President, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has emphasised that empowering women is not an act of charity but a strategic investment in stronger governance and national development.

In a message posted on Facebook to mark International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8 March 2026, the Vice President extended greetings to women and girls in Ghana and across the world while highlighting their enduring role in national progress.

“On this International Women’s Day 2026, I send heartfelt greetings to all women and girls across Ghana and around the world. Let us be proud of the resilience, achievements, and essential contributions women continue to make to our nation’s progress,” she wrote.

The Vice President pointed to Ghana’s national theme for this year’s celebration, “Giving to Gain,” noting that the principle is already being demonstrated through deliberate efforts to increase women’s participation in governance.

“In Ghana, the theme ‘Giving to Gain’ is already demonstrated through concrete actions,” she stated.

According to her, the policy direction to ensure that women occupy at least 30 per cent of government appointments reflects the importance of inclusive leadership in national development.

“The intentional effort to ensure women make up at least 30% of government appointments recognises a simple truth about national development: when women serve as ministers, lead key public institutions, and help shape policy at the highest levels, the country benefits from a broader range of talent and perspective,” she said.

Beyond government, the Vice President stressed that expanding opportunities for women across all sectors of society strengthens the country’s leadership base and national capacity.

“But the principle goes beyond government institutions,” she explained.

“In business, academia, civil society, the creative industries, faith leadership, and other sectors, expanding opportunities for women enhances our national life and increases the pool of leadership that we rely on.”

She concluded by emphasising that empowering women is fundamental to building a stronger nation.

“Empowering women is not just a favour; it is a strategic investment in better governance and a more confident Ghana.”

The Vice President ended her message with a simple note of celebration: “Happy International Women’s Day.”

5:22 PM - Princess Duncan urges women to rise with courage and purpose on International Women’s Day

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Ms. Princess Duncan, Deputy CEO of COA Research and Manufacturing Limited, Nana Akua Ahenesima I, who doubles as Ankobea Hemaa of Frante-Sekyeredumasi in the Ashanti Region, has urged women to recognize their strength and continue striving for leadership, growth, and meaningful impact in society.

In a message marking the global celebration of women, Princess Duncan highlighted the important role women play in shaping families, communities, and nations.

She noted that throughout history, women have demonstrated resilience, courage, and the ability to transform societies through determination and vision.

According to her, empowering women is not only about equality but also about unlocking the potential that drives progress and development across communities.

“Women carry incredible strength and potential. When women are empowered and given the opportunity to lead, they not only transform their own lives — they uplift entire communities,” she stated.

Princess Duncan further encouraged women to believe in their abilities and pursue their dreams with confidence, emphasizing that every woman possesses the capacity to inspire change and create opportunities for others.

“Never underestimate the power of a determined woman. When she rises, barriers fall and possibilities are born,” she added.

She also stressed the importance of unity among women, encouraging them to support one another and work together in building a future where women continue to thrive in leadership, innovation, and social development.

As both a corporate leader and a traditional authority figure, Princess Duncan continues to advocate for empowerment, development, and leadership among women. Through her roles in business and traditional leadership, she remains committed to inspiring young women to believe in their purpose and contribute positively to society.

Her message on International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that the progress of women is essential to the progress of society.

“When a woman discovers her purpose, she becomes unstoppable. Her strength not only transforms her life it transforms the future of generations,” Princess Duncan emphasized.

International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide to recognize the achievements of women and to encourage continued efforts toward equality, empowerment, and opportunities for women across all sectors of society.

5:45 PM - Women urged to embrace authenticity to unlock their potential

Ms Freda Eshun, President of the African Students Union at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in India, has urged women to reject the “fake it till you make it” culture and embrace authenticity as the pathway to personal growth and fulfilment.

Speaking during an online event to commemorate International Women’s Day, Ms Eshun cautioned that the growing obsession with projecting false images of wealth and social status was pushing many young women into unsustainable lifestyles and moral compromise.

She advised women to remain true to themselves rather than trying to portray a lifestyle they could not genuinely sustain.

“You cannot fake it till you make it; you have to be yourself,” she said, explaining that pressure to acquire luxury brands such as Gucci and Prada often led individuals into unhealthy competition and dependency.

Ms Eshun said the culture of pretending to be wealthy or successful could leave individuals appearing prosperous outwardly while struggling internally.

She identified self-actualisation as the highest stage of personal development, noting that it involved recognising and fully utilising one’s potential.

According to her, women must learn to accept their physical appearance and personal characteristics, adding that genuine fulfilment comes from understanding and appreciating one’s own identity.