According to her, women and youth businesses accounted for 44 percent of all Medium Small and Micro Enterprises in Ghana.

"And this is from the World Bank, a clear testament of their vital role and the need to capacitate them for sustainable economic growth", Mrs. Asiakwa added at the Western Regional launch of the GNCCI Women and Youth Wing project.
She revealed that while data on youth-led enterprises were less defined, it was evident that significant portion of the entrepreneurial landscape was shaped by youthful ambition and innovation.

The Women and Youth-led initiative would nurture innovation and equip women and youth with critical tools to start and scale successfully through targeted interventions that improved access to finance, markets and business services.

The GNCCI First Vice President said through business clinics, trainings, mentorship, Business to Business platforms and networking among others the initiative would be a step for a new generation of business leaders equipped, inspired and empowered.

She advised the women and youth at the launch to own the initiative; "let us not miss this moment, rise together as women and youth supported by the Chamber to build resilient, innovative and future ready enterprises that transform Our Region and the Nation".

Mrs. Asiakwa on the other hand, extolled the leadership of Mr. Stephan Miezah, the National President of the GNCCI for such an inclusive step.
"Sir, your unwavering commitment to inclusive growth and your visionary drive for private sector transformation have paved the way for progressive initiatives....we are deeply inspired by your leadership".

Madam Gifty Afadzi, a local manufacturer and participant, described the initiative as a useful tool to build the knowledge level of women and youth to take advantage of both local and international business opportunities to spur prosperity.