Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance, has said that the government is taking concrete steps to support women-owned and women-led businesses through renewed investment in the Women’s Development Bank.
According to him, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and strengthening gender-inclusive economic growth.
The Women’s Development Bank was one of the key policy promises of the government while in opposition.
The bank aims to provide an all-women-operated financial institution dedicated to addressing the unique needs of women and women-led enterprises.
Upon assuming office, the government faced criticism for delays in establishing the bank.
Earlier in March 2025, the government allocated seed funds of GH¢51.3 million for the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank.
However, delivering the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Dr. Forson announced renewed funding to advance its operations.
He explained that the amount meets the Bank of Ghana’s capital requirement to establish a commercial bank.
“Mr. Speaker, to crowd in finance for women-owned MSMEs, we are providing another GH¢401 million to the Women’s Development Bank,” he said.
