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International Women’s Day: WTO’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Oteh Shine at 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has been honored with the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Lifetime Achievement Award with Arunma Oteh, Chairperson of the 124-year-old Royal African Society, recognized as the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Changemaker of the Decade Award recipient.
Arunma Oteh is celebrated not only for her significant contributions across the continent and beyond, but also for her influential role as Executive Residence & Member of the Global Leadership Council at the Said Business School, University of Oxford.
Her impressive career includes previous positions as Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank and as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria.
In her acceptance speech, Dr Okonjo-Iweala remarked: “The award reminds me of strong women who have paved the way for others and continue to inspire me, including past awardees and my big sisters, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Her Excellency Graça Machel and Madam Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.”
Since 2021, when she became the first woman and first African to assume the role of Director-General at the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala has drawn on more than 40 years of experience as a global finance expert, economist, and international development professional working across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
In her acceptance address, she also acknowledged the inspiration she draws from young African women, stating: “While I’m proud [to be the first woman and African DG], I always have mixed feelings,” she said. “I always feel there should have been a woman prior and an African, why not? But that being said, I’m happy that I’ve been able to break that glass ceiling, and I’m glad that, as many of us continue to break glass ceilings, young African women will hopefully no longer face as many barriers as those who came before them. I have to say that young African women inspire me.”
The FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards shines a spotlight on some of the continent’s most prominent personalities—those who have harnessed their personal stories to reshape the development narrative in Africa.
Among the night’s honorees were Tiwa Savage, acclaimed as “the Queen of Afrobeats,” who took home the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Media Icon Award. Earlier in the day, her digital cover was unveiled at the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit.
Known for her signature mix of Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and pop, she explained in an interview with FORBES AFRICA that she thinks “a lot of times when people think of music, they think of just being an artist. But there are so many aspects to the industry. I want to build a school or scholarship program that teaches that.”
A standout moment was the recognition of 12-year-old Eniola Shokunbi, who was awarded the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Young Achiever Award. The young health advocate, born in the U.S. and of Nigerian descent, has already been recognized by the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation and is noted for her efforts to promote cleaner air and for installing air filters in classrooms around the world.
Also among the youth honorees, 12-year-old Hephzibah Akinwale, who at the age of 10 set a world record for the longest fiction novel written by a child with her book, Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away (spanning over 58,000 words), was presented with the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Next Generation Award.
Experts Advocate for Comprehensive Support to Women’s Well-being on International Women’s Day
Consultant Family Physician and Executive Director of Global Outreach Consortium, Dr. Priscilla Vandyck-Sey, has urged women to prioritise their health, stressing that while they invest in personal grooming, they should equally invest in regular medical check-ups to safeguard their well-being.
Speaking during an interview with The High Street Journal at the Women’s Day Walk and Wellness Fest, Dr. Vandyck-Sey highlighted the increasing prevalence of breast and cervical cancers among Ghanaian women and the need for proactive health measures.
The event, organised by the High Commission of India, Ghana, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Accra – Premier International and the World Health Organisation (WHO), was themed ‘Stronger Her, Healthier Future.’ It featured a 2.5km walk, health talks, donation of hygiene products, and networking sessions at the Department of Parks and Gardens in Cantonments.
Dr. Vandyck-Sey stressed that beyond their caregiving roles, women must take their health seriously by undergoing routine screenings. “Women are pivotal to society and their families, often focusing on the well-being of others while neglecting their own health. It is important to balance self-care with health investments,” she noted.
She urged women to conduct monthly self-breast examinations and visit health facilities annually for professional checks. Additionally, she advised women above 40 to undergo mammograms, acknowledging the cost but encouraging them to save towards it.
On cervical cancer, Dr. Vandyck-Sey advocated for screening from age 21 or 25, warning that late presentation remains a significant cause of fatalities. “Screening is not free, but early detection can save lives. If cost is a barrier, women should consider saving gradually to afford the test,” she advised, adding that Ghana Health Service and private facilities offer screening services.
Dr. Vandyck-Sey called on policymakers to integrate cervical cancer screening into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve accessibility. “Women should not wait for a policy change to act. If you notice any unusual signs, seek medical attention immediately. Delay is what kills,” she cautioned.
She further encouraged families and communities to support breast cancer patients rather than stigmatise them, noting that the psychological burden of the disease is often overlooked.
Dr. Vandyck-Sey also highlighted the efforts of her organisation, Global Outreach Consortium, in raising awareness on breast cancer through community engagements, schools, churches, markets, and hospitals. Their initiative, Bisayen!, seeks to sustain breast cancer education throughout the year.
She lauded ongoing efforts to produce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Ghana, describing it as a significant step in making the vaccine more affordable and accessible across West Africa. “If local production takes off, it will be a game-changer in reducing HPV transmission and preventing cervical cancer,” she said.
Madam Nimeesha Gupta, wife of the High Commissioner of India to Ghana, stressed the importance of prioritizing women’s health, education, and safety. She noted that while International Women’s Day serves as a moment to celebrate women’s achievements, every day should be recognized as Women’s Day because of the continuous efforts of women in their families, workplaces, and communities.
She pointed out that when women are healthy, educated, and safe, they are better positioned to contribute effectively to society. Reflecting on the theme of the year, she stressed the significance of fitness, stating that a fit woman is better equipped to care for her family and support community well-being.
Madam Gupta also acknowledged the role of men in ensuring women’s well-being, citing the discussions held with leading doctors from the WHO and Global Health Outreach Consortium. She observed that the event’s engagement with both male and female attendees was crucial, as the responsibility of supporting women’s health and welfare should not rest solely on women.
Additionally, she pointed out the growing concerns around mental stress, which she said affects both men and women, particularly in family settings. She remarked, “It is not just the women who can take care. We need the participation of men in the family as well to understand the challenges women face.”
The event brought together health professionals, dignitaries, and community members, reinforcing the importance of women’s health advocacy and preventive care. Dr. Vandyck-Sey concluded by urging women to prioritise their health, as a healthier woman ensures a healthier society.
Dr. Apetorgbor Opposes ECG Privatization, Advocates for Prepaid Meters and Technological Overhaul
Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, the CEO of Independent Power Generators Ghana, has expressed strong opposition to the privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana‘s (ECG) debt collection and billing services, describing the move as wasteful and counterproductive. He argues instead for the nationwide rollout of prepaid meters to improve ECG’s revenue mobilization.
President John Dramani Mahama in his first State of the Nation Address on February 27, 2025, revealed that ECG has accumulated a debt of GH¢68 billion, raising concerns about the company’s financial stability and its capacity to deliver reliable electricity services.
However, in an interview, Dr. Apetorgbor stressed that ECG should prioritize technological investments to tackle its recurring challenges. He also urged the company to adopt real-time monitoring technologies for voltage fluctuations to enhance service reliability.
“What we’re saying is that the tariffs should be cost-effective and should enable ECG to recover its most competitive or efficiency cost. We even proposed that stringent cost measures should be implemented in ECG’s administrative or operational activities. We looked at the issue of technology, we’re way behind technology in the power sector.
“There’s no where in the world or people going after customers to come and pay bills, implement pre-paid meters, automatically everybody pays for the services. Why waste resources to bring in companies to be going after customers for debt collection?. It’s a waste of resources,” he said.
Ghana at 68: CNIR Urges Middle Class and Youth to Step Up for a Brighter Future
As Ghana celebrates its 68th independence anniversary, the Center for National Interest and Research (CNIR) has called on middle class citizens and young people to take charge and rise for a better future.
Sixty-eight years after gaining independence, Ghana is still grappling with the effects of extreme partisan politics, characterized by divisiveness, unbridled borrowing, and debilitating debt, hence, the CNIR is calling on Ghanaians to reflect on the state of the nation and the true meaning of freedom.
Dr. Dzabaku Kudiabor Ocansey, Executive Director of CNIR , emphasized that the time has come for the youth, middle-class citizens, and young adults to rise up and take charge of building a better future for Ghana.
“We need a new generation of leaders who are solution-oriented, innovative, and committed to the well-being of all Ghanaians,” he said.
He said as we celebrate 68 years of independence, we must confront the harsh reality that our extreme partisan politics is undermining our freedom and threatening our very existence as a nation.
Dr. Ocansey called for a shift in focus from individualism and extreme partisan political affiliations to the national interest, saying “we must prioritize the needs of Ghana above our individual interests and party affiliations,” he said.
“We need a hybrid democratic system that incorporates solution-oriented approaches and cognitive restructuring, one that prioritizes the needs of all Ghanaians, regardless of their socio-economic background or political affiliation,” he added.
The statement charged all Ghanaians to join in a national conversation on the state of our freedom and the future of our nation. “Let us work together to build a brighter future for Ghana, starting today,” it said.
Gov’t Launches 6GB for GHS10 Independence Day Data Promotion
The government has secured a special Independence Day data bundle deal with Ghana‘s three major telecom providers, MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and AT Ghana—offering 6GB of data for just GHS10. This marks a significant upgrade from the usual 1GB or 3GB holiday bundles available at the same price.
Announcing the offer on his Facebook page, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, stated, “Under the instructions of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, we have reached a special Independence Day bundle package on all three networks in the country.”
He further highlighted the government’s vision for an interconnected nation, saying, “This highlights our commitment as a government to build the enablers for a truly digitalized Ghana that offers the vast opportunity of the interconnected world to Ghanaians right in the comfort of their homes.”
Many internet users have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention in reducing the cost of data. This move aligns with broader efforts to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital inclusion in the country.
Beyond the Independence Day package, the minister assured Ghanaians of more efforts to lower data costs in the long term. “Tomorrow, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations will outline short, medium and long-term plans towards a sustained reduction in data prices,” he revealed.
Ghana @ 68: Gov’t Saves ₵19M with Modest Independence Day Celebration
The government has made a significant savings of GH₵ 19 Million after scaling down the 68th Independence Day Celebration, marking another milestone of fiscal prudence under the new administration.
Independence Day Celebration is a mega event on Ghana‘s National Calendar as it marks the day Ghana gained its freedom from colonialism. Over the years, the celebrations have taken various forms, straining the public purse.
Prior to the 68th Anniversary, the status quo was a national celebration in addition to a district and regional level celebrations. The previous administration, in an attempt to bring the national celebration, which used to be held at the Independence Square, closer to the people, decided to rotate the celebration among the various regional capitals.
However, the first Independence Day anniversary under the new government took a different turn. In a drastic decision, President Mahama caused the commemoration to be held at the forecourt of the Presidency instead of the Independence Square or any of the regional capitals.
The President says the decision became necessary considering the current economic difficulties the country has been grappling with in recent years. He says the celebrations over the years have been a major drain on the country’s coffers due to the substantial logistical and infrastructure costs they come along with.
For instance, in 2023, the celebration in Koforidua cost the state GH₵ 15 million, while the 2022 event in Ho also required GH₵13.7 million.
This year’s event, President Mahama in his speech revealed, was estimated to cost the country GH₵ 20 Million. However, by holding a modest ceremony at the forecourt of the President, the state has saved only 95% of the budget representing a savings of GH₵ 19 million.
This means that the entire celebration will only cost the country just GH₵ 1 million.
The President says after workers have already accepted salary adjustments below the rate of inflation, it will be untenable to justify a lavish celebration at such a critical time.
“Unfortunately, this year we are constrained not only to interrupt the celebration’s rotation amongst the regions, but also to hold it on a scaled-down version here at the forecourt of the Presidency instead of the traditional Black Star Square. This is necessary considering the economic crisis our nation is currently experiencing,” he indicated.
He added, “This year, we received estimates of at least 20 million Ghana cedis for holding the event at the Independence Square on the same scale as the previous years. In a year when we are calling on all to sacrifice, including workers who have graciously accepted a base pay adjustment far below the rate of inflation, it is unconscionable to spend that kind of money on a few hours of celebration. Today’s event would save us 95% of the estimated cost of the event.”
This is another step taken by the John Mahama-led government towards protecting the public purse. Already, unnecessary travels by government officials have been banned. All necessary travels must be sanctioned by the Chief of Staff, while first class tickets have been banned outrightly.
Many analysts and economists have welcomed the cost-cutting move indicating that as the country continues to navigate its economic challenges, these decisions serve as a testament to the importance of making tough but necessary financial choices for the greater good of the economy.