Ing. Jacqueline Ofori Atta, General Manager/Western Region
Behind every organisation are #WomenOfPower. These women blaze the trail against all odds and play a pivotal role in the success of any organisation.
These women inspire us each day as the combine managing the home and their careers. October is a pink month and it is used to create breast cancer awareness as well address women and gender issues eg. Girl child education.
ECG would also like to appreciate the Women of Power behind our success.
In the first of our series of #WomenOfPower, are the General Managers in ECG. Meet them…..
Name: AMA DARKOWA ENGMANN (MRS) Position: GENERAL MANAGER/ PERSONNEL
When were you employed in ECG? I did my national service for 2 years in November 1982, and I started work in 1985 as Administrative Officer. From there, I rose through the ranks to where I am now.
Why did you choose ECG?
My coming here started with my National Service posting. After my national service, I realised that I liked the environment and there were very few women here so it felt good to be here and therefore stayed.
What challenges do you face as a woman with the position you hold in ECG?
The position, General Manager is very elaborate, I do so many things. I handle industrial relations and personnel in terms of promotions, upgrading and separations. The work is quite challenging butI am up to the task and my staff around me also help and support me.
How do you manage the home with work?
At the moment, my kids are old to take care of themselves and my husband is also supportive, he understands the position I have so he understands when I have to leave the house early and come home late.
How do you find working with ECG?
For me, my whole career has been with ECG, it has been a great experience, a very long one as such I have a very wide knowledge base as an HR practitioner, having worked in the Region and also in various Divisions within the HR Directorate. My experience in the Head office has spanned from Manpower planning and Training. Industrial Relation and Personnel and Administration issues. With that hindsight I have learnt a lot, I had the chance to go on a few courses, interact with other women to enhance my skill and broaden my worldview.
What Advice will you give to women who are interested in working with ECG or a perceived male-dominated company?
A lot more Ladies should try and move into engineering field and don’t just take likeness in Banking, Human Resources and the like because ladies are more hard working and can take up challenging jobs. Today, women have equal opportunities as men even on their choice of career so I will encourage women to build interest in working in perceived male-dominated companies like ECG as we expect to see more women holding top position.
Name: FLORA MAAME EFUA AWORTWI COLERANGLE Position: GENERAL MANAGER PLANNING & TRAINING
When were you employed in ECG?
I started working with ECG in March 1994 as a Human Resources Officer as a fixed term employee. After some few months I was confirmed and transferred to Customer Service Directorate, became a Sectional Manager and rose through the ranks to be a General Manager.
Why did you choose ECG?
I was with Civil Service and wanted something a bit more challenging. I decided to send application to various organisations and after some few surveys decided ECG was the best place for me to take up the challenge.
The challenges you face as a woman with the position you hold in ECG.
Not too bad because most of my colleagues are co-operative, some few had a problem with a female supervisor, but have getting used to it. It is quite challenging but we have been able to handle each challenge as it comes.
How do you manage the home with work?
Luckily, I do not have a problem at home because my son, who is of age has been helping me. I work almost all the time and push all the household chores to weekends.
How do you find working with ECG?
It has been great. It has given me experience in diverse ways, I have gained training in management, human resources, general planning and it has gone a long way to shape my career.
What advice will you give to women who are interested in working with ECG or a perceived male-dominated company?
To be successful as an employee or a woman, give out your best, do not be intimidated to work in a male dominated company and by hard work, you will be appreciated. Aspire to be a woman with a difference
Name: MERCY AMOAH (MRS) Position: GENERAL MANAGER/ESTATE
When were you employed in ECG?
I started working with ECG in 1980 as a cashier and developed myself professionally to rise through the ranks to be a General Manager Estate.
Why did you choose ECG?
I just wanted to work to support my education. So I wrote an application and with my unique intelligence, I was picked.
What challenges do you face as a woman with the position you hold in ECG.
Some people look down on women when they have aspirations of getting to the top. But that is where you have to work harder than the men to prove yourself.
How do you manage the home with work?
As a career woman, I have to combine the two by sacrificing some needs and wants to have a sound home and work harder at the office to cater for the family.
How do you find working with ECG?
My whole life, I have worked with ECG and I have enjoyed working with ECG. I see ECG as a family and I enjoy being in it.
What Advice will you give to women who are interested in working with ECG or a perceived male-dominated company?
Prayer should take a major part in their life, followed by hard work and self-development. Planning and being focus will help make them successful in life.
Name: BELINDA YEBUAH DWAMENA (MRS) Position: GENERAL MANAGER / MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
When were you employed in ECG?
I started working with ECG in 20th May 1995.
Why did you choose ECG?
I was searching for a job and i was lucky that it was the year ECG had introduced Customer Service Division (CSD). That was my first interview and because of my interest in Economics analysis, I was given the job.
What challenges do you face as a woman with the position you hold in ECG.
It has been balanced one because ECG has accommodation for women, but up to some point because I have never seen a woman raised up to head a directorate or to be a Director.
How do you manage the home with work?
It has been very tough. As a woman, you have to sacrifice everything to make the office and home peaceful, to reduce absenteeism at the workplace and prevent excuses, you need to give in your all to be seen as efficient and effective.
How do you find working with ECG?
It has been an exposure and a place to acquire knowledge in all kinds of different fields and meeting people with all kinds of different backgrounds.
What Advice will you give to women who are interested in working with ECG or a perceived male-dominated company?
They should see themselves as unique and not compare themselves to others (show your uniqueness and excel). Working in a male dominated company is the best thing that can happen to any female.
Name: ING. SARIEL A. ETWIRE (MRS) Position : GENERAL MANAGER / METERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
When were you employed in ECG?
I started working with ECG on the 20th November 1995
Why did you choose ECG?
As an Electrical Engineer, I wanted to apply my profession to delight a wide customer’s base and also make the world a better place. I also considered the culture and policies of the company in relation to women and it was favourable to me.
What challenges do you face as a woman with the position you hold in ECG. Being the only lady in a class of 40 in the University, I have gained a lot of experience on relating to and leading men in a male dominated industry and division. I use my knowledge and skills to lead, manage and direct activities and people. It has not always been easy but I complement it with good human relations.
How do you manage the home with work?
I generally like taking care of myself and household on Saturdays and Sundays. After doing likewise for others from Monday to Friday. On weekdays I rely on the support of family members and they have been very supportive.
How do you find working with ECG?
Generally, it has been interesting and sometimes challenging. I have supervised various projects with unique deliverables. Had to satisfy various stakeholder Expectations as well as lead a balanced life as well.
What Advice will you give to women who are interested in working with ECG or a male dominated company?
They should take up the opportunity and work with men as reliable partners. The women should not forget other women are successful working in the sector.
