The Ghana Chapter of the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) yesterday held its 2026 Annual National Summit in Accra, bringing together accomplished women from diverse professional backgrounds to mentor, inspire, and empower the next generation of female leaders.
The event, which took place at the Palms by Eagles Hotel yesterday, attracted young women, professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders from across the country for a day of learning, networking, and empowerment.
Held under the theme, “The Next Generation of African Women: Driving Innovation and Redefining Leadership,” the summit provided a platform for meaningful discussions on leadership, innovation, personal development, and women’s advancement in society.
The summit featured an impressive lineup of speakers, led by the First Deputy Managing Director of Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), Sheila Azuntaba, who delivered the keynote address.
Other distinguished speakers included Dr. Caryn Agyeman Prempeh, Municipal Director of Health Services at the La Dade Kotopon Municipal Health Directorate; Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, Vice President for Africa at United Way Worldwide; and Maataa Opare, Esq., Managing Partner at Hawkhurst & Dua Associates.
In her keynote address, Ms. Azuntaba challenged traditional notions of leadership, emphasizing that leadership in today’s rapidly evolving world is no longer defined by authority and command but by influence, collaboration, and empathy.
She urged young women to adopt a modern leadership mindset that prioritizes relationship-building, inclusiveness, and creating meaningful impact within their communities and organizations.
According to her, the most successful leaders are not necessarily those who occupy the highest positions but those who can inspire others, foster teamwork, and build strong partnerships that drive sustainable change.
“Leadership is no longer about authority and giving orders. It is about influence, collaboration, and empathy,” she stated, stressing the importance of connecting with people, understanding their needs, and working collectively to achieve common goals.
Ms. Azuntaba further encouraged young women to be intentional about their personal growth and professional development.
She highlighted the importance of leveraging social media platforms and networking opportunities to increase visibility, build personal brands, and connect with individuals who can support their career aspirations.
She advised participants not to wait to be discovered but to actively position themselves for opportunities through continuous learning, strategic networking, and participation in conferences, summits, and other professional development events.
Other speakers shared valuable insights on leadership, career progression, community impact, and the critical role women play in shaping Africa’s future.
They encouraged participants to embrace innovation, pursue excellence, and remain confident in their abilities to lead and create change.
The summit also provided attendees with opportunities to engage with experienced professionals, exchange ideas, and build networks that could support their personal and professional journeys.
The Young African Women Congress National Summit continues to serve as an important platform for empowering young African women and equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in leadership and contribute meaningfully to national and continental development.
As the event concluded, participants left inspired by the shared experiences and practical insights offered by the speakers, reaffirming the summit’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of African women leaders capable of driving innovation and redefining leadership across the continent.
Managing Partner of Hawkhurst & Dua Associates, Maataa Opare, stressed the importance of community and teamwork in leadership. She said Africa’s challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, technology and climate change cannot be solved by individuals working alone.
Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh, urged participants to create platforms for themselves and continuously develop their skills while preparing for bigger opportunities. She noted that innovation remains critical to success in today’s rapidly changing world.
The Municipal Director of Health Services for La Dade-Kotopon, Dr. Caryn Agyeman Prempeh, called on women to support and mentor one another instead of viewing each other as competitors. She said empowering other women creates stronger leaders and benefits society as a whole.
