Empowering Women: Ghana's Nancy Sam lauded at Global Summit

Miami Gardens, Florida, USA - Women’s empowerment has recently taken center stage at a high-profile summit in Ghana, where Shannan Ighodaro, known for her active role as a former City Councilwoman in Miami Gardens and founder of 100+ Women of Virtue International, commended Ambassador Nancy Q. Sam for her exceptional leadership in advancing opportunities for women across Africa. Ighodaro praised Sam’s efforts and noted an uplifting wave of positive changes for women not just in Ghana, but also extending to Miami Gardens and beyond since their collaboration began. This partnership highlights the vital need for local actions paired with monumental global outlooks to empower families and communities.

The summit, held on June 24, 2025, organized by Women in Tourism Ghana and 100+ Women of Virtue USA, showcased these ideals prominently. Ighodaro proudly announced the official launch of her organization, focusing on expanding educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for Ghanaian women, including innovative access to online training and graduate programs. During this auspicious occasion, she recognized Ambassador Sam with an award for her significant role in promoting women’s empowerment throughout Ghana and the ECOWAS region.

A Celebration of Women’s Resilience

Ambassador Nancy Q. Sam’s multifaceted involvement is noteworthy; she serves not only as the Tourism Ambassador for Miami but also as the President of Women in Tourism Ghana and Vice President of the ECOWAS Tourism Private Sector Confederation. Reflecting on the summit, Sam described the women in attendance as icons and trailblazers, each having navigated significant hurdles in their careers and lives. The atmosphere was electric as they gathered to celebrate resilience and empowerment in what Sam metaphorically termed a „festival of empowerment.“

In support of Africa’s women, Stellamaris Akhwale, CEO of Qatar Airways, encouraged attendees to recognize their immense potential while urging them to break free from societal constraints. Dr. Guerda Williams, a mental health advocate, added to the conversation by emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental wellness within communities, underlining yet another critical element in the empowerment narrative.

Paving the Way for Future Generations

Such initiatives are timely and essential in light of ongoing discussions surrounding women’s empowerment, particularly in relation to economic growth, political stability, and social transformation. In Ghana, women’s contributions are enormous; they account for a staggering 60% of the agricultural labor force. Yet, their potential remains shackled by several barriers, from limited access to financial resources to societal norms that hinder progress. As highlighted by the BFT Online, unlocking women’s economic potential through education, access to capital, and modern tools is crucial for fostering sustainable progress and national prosperity across the region.

The improvement of women’s political representation is another area where strides have been made, with women now holding approximately 14.8% of parliamentary seats in Ghana. However, the push for more significant representation and decision-making power is crucial to advocating for policies that directly address gender issues. As discussions among policymakers unfold, addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and cultural perceptions on women’s roles must also take precedence.

Ultimately, women’s empowerment stands as a strategic imperative not only for the socio-economic advancement of Ghana but also for the entire continent. To reflect on Ighodaro’s remarks, empowering women means empowering families and communities, building a brighter future for the next generations. As such endeavors continue to gain momentum, there’s no doubt: the contributions of women will be pivotal in shaping a more equitable and prosperous society.