Prof Amaechi Ejiribe spotlights struggles, resilience of Ghana’s market women in new book

A new book examining the significant challenges faced by women traders in Ghanaian marketplaces is set to spotlight the critical role market women play in national development and offer policy recommendations to address longstanding social and economic barriers.

The book project began in July 2019 when Professor Ezenwayi Amaechi Ejiribe traveled to Ghana to conduct training programs and seminars for market women entrepreneurs.

A Social Entrepreneur and the Founder of Micro Enterprise Social Entrepreneurship (MESENow), an organization that empowers women, youth and grassroots entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into impact, Professor Ezenwayi Amaechi Ejiribe, was introduced to Professor Joseph Ofori-Dankwa, who shared a similar passion for empowering market women and had co-founded The Makola Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial literacy education and financial resources to market traders in Ghana.

What began as an initial conversation between the two scholars evolved into a collaborative effort to document and analyze the complex realities of women traders’ lives.

As discussions progressed, the project expanded beyond economic challenges to examine the significant social injustices that market women frequently face as they strive to support their families and communities.

Recognizing the importance of this dimension, Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Founder and Chair of the Centre for Social Justice and a respected advocate for social justice in Ghana, joined the project and contributed valuable expertise and perspective.

The book introduces the concept of “jolts,” which are significant disruptions and challenges that affect market women and their businesses.

Through a comprehensive framework, the editors categorize and analyze the economic, environmental, health-related, social, and policy-related jolts experienced by women traders across Ghana.

The book further explores how structural inequalities and systemic barriers often intensify the effects of these disruptions.

Bringing together contributions from scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and subject-matter experts, the book provides an in-depth examination of the realities facing women traders and assesses current policies and interventions implemented by national and local government authorities.

Contributors also offer evidence-informed recommendations and practical strategies aimed at reducing the impact of these challenges and promoting greater economic opportunity and social equity.

“In addition to being among the most important contributors to Ghana’s economy, market women entrepreneurs sustain households, strengthen communities, and drive trade across the country. Yet many continue to face significant obstacles that often go unrecognized.

This book seeks to amplify their experiences and encourage meaningful action,” said Professor Joseph Ofori-Dankwa.

“We need to empower market women traders instead of excluding and leaving them behind when discussing policies and frameworks that influence their success”, said Professor Ezenwayi Amaechi Ejiribe.

When we address issues that market women entrepreneurs face, it translates into an investment in the health, education and the structure of the community, said Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey.

Women traders serve as vital drivers of economic activity, household stability, and community development throughout Ghana.

By raising awareness of the challenges they face, documenting the social injustices embedded within those challenges, and identifying actionable solutions, the book aims to contribute to a more equitable marketplace and support broader national development efforts.

The editors hope the book will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, educators, advocates, and community leaders working to advance economic empowerment and social justice for women entrepreneurs.