Association of Chartered Certified Accountants has called on organisations to adopt stronger workplace reforms to help more women rise into leadership positions.
Speaking at ACCA Ghana’s International Women’s Day 2026 event in Accra, Ayesha Bedwei Ibe said many women continue to face barriers to career progression despite increasing participation in the workforce.
She noted that women currently occupy only about 29 per cent of senior leadership positions, with representation dropping further at executive level, while the gender pay gap remains at 16 per cent.
According to her, the challenge is no longer about hiring women but ensuring that workplace systems support their advancement after recruitment.
Mrs Bedwei Ibe called for practical measures such as pay transparency, sponsorship programmes, flexible work arrangements and leadership pipelines designed to prepare women for senior roles.
She also highlighted persistent barriers including unconscious bias, limited access to influential networks and fewer opportunities to lead high-profile projects.
Gloria Boye Doku said achieving equity requires deliberate and sustained action from leaders and organisations.
A panel discussion at the event also encouraged women to invest in continuous learning, strengthen communication skills and embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to remain competitive in the accounting profession.
Panellists further urged organisations to provide stronger support systems, fair promotion processes and more flexible working arrangements, especially for nursing mothers.
