MTN Ghana Y’ello Ladies Network Celebrates First Anniversary, Championing Women's Empowerment Through Mentorship, Coaching And Leadership

 

The MTN Ghana Y’ello Ladies Network has celebrated its first anniversary with a vibrant and inspiring event, reaffirming its commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusive leadership across the organization.

The event, held at the MTN House in Accra under the theme “Give to Gain – When Women Thrive, We All Rise,” brought together over 500 female employees of MTN professionals, executives and mentors for a day of reflection, mentorship and forward-looking engagement.

Delivering the welcome address, the Chief Finance Officer and Chairwoman of the Yello Ladies Network, Antoinette Kwofie, highlighted the remarkable journey of the network over the past year, describing it as a “vibrant and impactful community” built on connection, growth and shared purpose.

A year ago, we set out with a vision to create a platform where the amazing women of MTN Ghana could connect, grow, lead and lift one another. Today, that vision has blossomed into a powerful community,” she said.

She highlighted that, in addition to its establishment and the survey feedback from members, the network initiated impactful programs, including health-focused activities under the “I Am Enough” series. Notably, the group organized a successful Breast Cancer Awareness campaign and a walk, raising GHS 200,000. Of this amount, GHS 150,000 was donated to the Breast Cancer Unit at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to support breast cancer patients, while GHS 50,000 was donated to Breast Care International. 

Antoinette emphasized that the success of the network was collective, urging members to continue showing up, supporting one another and actively contributing to its growth.

Looking ahead, she outlined a series of initiatives planned for the year, including Women in Leadership Summit, Leadership Masterclass Series, Leadership Café sessions, Speed Mentoring programmes, a Community Leadership Day, a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and Better Workplace Initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall experience of women within the organization.

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, commended the network for exceeding expectations and underscored the critical role women play in the company’s success. “What it has become today is far bigger than I ever imagined. Ideas come to life in ways that exceed expectations,” he noted.

Speaking from a personal perspective, he emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for women and called for intentional mentorship and inclusive leadership. “Leadership is not about competition, it is about growth. There is space for everyone. Your role is to pull someone else up,” he added, encouraging both women and men to actively support gender equity within the organization.

The guest speaker, Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh, CEO and Founder of BrainWave Africatech, reinforced the event’s theme by highlighting the power of giving as a leadership principle. “The most meaningful success is not what we accumulate, but what we contribute,” she stated, emphasizing that true impact is measured by the lives transformed through mentorship and support. She urged women to embrace collective growth, noting that platforms like the Y’ello Ladies Network serve as critical spaces for nurturing leadership, building confidence and amplifying voices.

When women rise, we do not rise alone, we lift families, strengthen organizations and transform nations,” she said, calling on participants to commit to collaboration, contribution and purposeful leadership.

A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion dubbed Fireside Chat, moderated by broadcast journalist Naa Ashorkor, which featured insights from women leaders, including Ayisha Ayensu, CEO & Creative Director of Christie Brown, Theresa Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse and Uche Ofodile, CEO of MTN Benin.

Ayisha Ayensu underscored that empowering others begins with personal investment. “To truly serve and uplift others, we must first invest in ourselves, recognize our strengths, remain true to our values and embrace our authentic selves,” she stated.

She emphasized that self-discovery, advocacy for meaningful causes and embracing confidence are essential principles for women leaders who aspire to uplift others while achieving personal fulfilment.

Theresa Ayoade shared how mentorship shaped her journey. She recounted her early experience as a sales executive at a media house, when a mentor saw her potential and provided guidance, practical advice and growth opportunities. “True leadership is not just about your own growth, it is about building others to grow beyond you,” Theresa said. She emphasized the importance of giving time, coaching and empowering others to step confidently into leadership roles.

Uche Ofodile highlighted the impact of sponsorship on career growth. “Sometimes, all it takes is one person making one decision, choosing to believe in you, for everything to change,” she said, reflecting on a mentor who supported her during her pivotal career moment, giving her visibility and confidence that eventually positioned her to become a CEO.

The event also featured an interactive speed mentoring session with members of the Executive Women Network, where participants engaged directly with experienced mentors across finance, human resources, communications, law, entrepreneurship and leadership development. The sessions provided practical career guidance and reinforced the network’s focus on professional growth and peer learning.

Beyond the thought leadership sessions, the celebration included vibrant performances by the all-female band Lipstick and saxophonist Naa Torshie Hagan, creating a lively atmosphere. The occasion was crowned with a ceremonial cake-cutting to commemorate a year of growth, impact and shared success.

As the Yello Ladies Network enters its second year, the focus remains clear, deepening impact, strengthening connections and creating even more opportunities for women to thrive. With a strong foundation and a bold vision ahead, the network continues to position itself as a key driver of inclusive leadership within MTN Ghana, reinforcing the belief that when women thrive, everyone rises.