Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi
Entrepreneurship is often hailed as the backbone of economic growth and innovation, but according to Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi, the founder of Miss Agriculture Ghana and co-founder of the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness Ghana, the real secret to sustaining a thriving business lies beyond just securing funding.
Speaking at the Gastro Festival that was launched in Accra, Esther emphasized that while capital is essential to launching and scaling a business, it is mentorship that determines whether an entrepreneur succeeds or fails in the long run.
“Funding is the bloodline of entrepreneurship, but mentorship is the lifeblood without which it dies,” she stated. “Many startups receive capital, yet they struggle to navigate the complexities of business growth because they lack the right guidance and support.”
Her remarks come at a time when Ghana’s startup ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, with increased support from financial institutions, government initiatives, and investors. However, she highlighted that mentorship remains a missing ingredient for many young entrepreneurs, especially women in agribusiness.
Bridging the Gap Through Mentorship
Through her work with Miss Agriculture Ghana and the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness, Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi has championed mentorship programs that connect aspiring female entrepreneurs with industry leaders. She believes that structured mentorship networks can help businesses overcome challenges such as market access, branding, and financial management.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about access to capital; it’s about knowing how to make that capital work effectively,” she added. “Without experienced guidance, many businesses struggle with sustainability, eventually leading to failure despite having access to funding.”
To address this gap, she is calling on policymakers, business leaders, and development organizations to invest in mentorship programs as much as they invest in funding opportunities.
She urged stakeholders in the private and public sectors to create mentorship hubs where seasoned entrepreneurs can provide hands-on training and advisory support to emerging business owners.
“If we truly want to see more sustainable businesses in Ghana, we must recognize that funding alone is not enough. We need to equip entrepreneurs with knowledge, skills, and networks that will enable them to thrive beyond the startup phase.”
Her advocacy aligns with global conversations on fostering inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly for women in agribusiness.
She also mentioned the Chick4Chicks initiative, a six-week capacity-building program for women in poultry, organized annually by the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness. She announced that this year’s program is set to begin soon.
As Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for agribusiness and innovation, Esther Twumasi’s message serves as a reminder that while financial investment may start the journey, it is mentorship that ensures long-term success.