Event report
CCIFG and the French Embassy Host Executive Women at the Residence of France for IWD 2026
CCIFG and the French Embassy Host Executive Women at the Residence of France for IWD 2026
On Wednesday, 4th March 2026, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ghana (CCIFG), in partnership with the French Embassy, hosted an exclusive Ladies’ Luncheon and Executive Roundtable at the Residence of France. Under the theme “Leadership in Action: Women Shaping Ghana’s Economic Future,” the event convened senior female leaders from across the country’s most strategic sectors for an afternoon of candid and solution-oriented dialogue.
Welcoming guests to the Residence, H.E. Diarra Dimé-Labille, Ambassador of France to Ghana, set a powerful tone for the afternoon. She emphasized that beyond a date on the calendar, International Women’s Day is an affirmation that leadership is not an abstract concept, but a tangible force for change.
"Leadership is action," the Ambassador noted. "And action, when driven by talented and courageous women, has the power to reshape economies, institutions, and societies." H.E. Anna Bossman reinforced this, noting that the event itself was a vital showcase of the "France-Ghanaian partnership and a shared commitment to investing in human capital and the competence of young female innovators."
Throughout the roundtable, the speakers shared profound insights on the importance of resilience and the realities of navigating high-level decision-making spaces. Ms Esther Cobbah sparked a critical conversation on the gendered double standards of leadership, questioning why excellence and strength in women are often labelled as being "too tough" or "too strong." She challenged the room to consider why these traits are celebrated in men but scrutinized in women, calling for a shift in how society perceives female authority.
Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai delivered a stirring call for financial empowerment as a tool for autonomy, stating, "Whatever you do, if you are independent financially, it means that you have an exit strategy. That’s why your competence and your hard work really matter." Addressing the future of the workforce, she noted that with women making up 36% of the tech sector, young girls in STEM are the ones who will truly "shape the world."
The conversation also delved into the internal mechanics of influence and self-awareness. Mrs. Patricia Poku-Diaby offered a memorable perspective on leadership roles, remarking, "The head cannot do anything without the neck, and the neck actually directs the head. Don’t fret about being the head—be the neck." Ms Salome Azevedo expanded on this, urging women to ensure the role aligns with their personal path: "Be a leader if it suits you, otherwise, it becomes a burden. Understand what you want in life. If it is something that you want and you embrace, it can be good and it can be fun."
A recurring theme of the day, shared by speakers Ms. Naa Siokor Boi-Bi-Boi and Ms. Rahaf Mahfoud, was the vital role of emotional intelligence and the deep preparation required to lead effectively. Ms Sabina Manu of Guinness Ghana touched on the "double-edged sword" of empathy, noting that while it often comes easier to women, it can also be an "Achilles' heel" if it leads to granting second chances where they aren't earned. This need for rigor was echoed by Ms Amma Gyampo, who offered a clear final directive to the room: "Before you lead, you must actually, truly study."
As the Ambassador aptly stated, "The true measure of leadership is not only what we achieve individually, but what we enable others to achieve after us." In her closing remarks, Ms. Maxine Reindorf-Partey, Managing Director of CCIFG, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that women’s leadership is now a fundamental requirement for Ghana’s current economic transformation. "Let us continue to lead with purpose, support one another, and open doors for those who will follow," she urged.
The CCI France Ghana extends its sincere gratitude to our esteemed partners and sponsors: Telecel Ghana, Vivo Energy, Nestlé Ghana, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Publicis West Africa, Guinness Ghana, and Yves Rocher. Their support underscores the private sector’s decisive role in advancing gender inclusion through investment and leadership choices.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting inclusive growth that ensures no talent is left behind in Ghana’s economic journey.
