The Western Regional Office of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, GEA in collaboration with the Bisa Abrewa Museum has organized the
1st Esther Ocloo annual lecture on African Entrepreneurship to honour the legacy of the late Esther Ocloo at Nkotompo in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
The female heroine who is also the founder of the Nkulenu Industries was honoured for her numerous contributions to the business community and how positively she impacted people, especially women.
The programme which saw various entrepreneurs exhibiting their products was also aimed at encouraging women and young girls not to relent in following their passion but build themselves up economically to improve their lives. It was on the theme, Making Homegrown a Reality.
Speaking at the opening of the two-day programme, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, Kosi Yankey-Ayeh said the rationale behind the lecture, was to help Africans develop their economies by utilizing the raw materials and expertise for production and distribution and as well encourage the patronage of locally manufactured goods and services.
She added that it is to limit the importation of foreign goods into the country and help strengthen the economy.
According to her, Ghana can become economically independent when the country’s numerous natural resources are harnessed to their full potential to improve the socio-economic development of the country.
Mrs Yankey-Ayeh attributed the hindered entrepreneurial growth of women in the past to some cultural practices and values that limited women from exploiting their full potential.
She was however elated that, the likes of Esther Ocloo excelled despite the challenges. She, therefore, advised young entrepreneurs especially women to follow their passion and be committed to what they do.
The Managing Director of Nkulenu Industries, Steven Ocloo mentioned that the unveiling of the statue to honour the mother who is a noble icon is befitting and timely as the company is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. He thanked the organizers of the event for honouring the good deeds of the late Esther Ocloo.
The Chairman of the Bisa Abrewa Museum, Kwaw Ansah said the event which is going to be an annual thing, will be used to advocate home-grown solutions by Ghanaian industrialist business women and men.
According to him, the world would not have been better without women as their immense contributions to development cannot be overemphasized.
He added that remembering and honouring the late Esther Ocloo is a step in the right direction as it will encourage others to emulate her.
Mr Ansah said Africans are lacking behind and it is time to change the trend by empowering ourselves industrially to boost the economy.
