Mentorship is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship – Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi

Entrepreneurship is widely recognised as a key driver 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 determinant of success in business goes beyond funding—it is mentorship.

Speaking at the Gastro Festival launch in Accra, Twumasi emphasised that while capital is essential for starting and scaling a business, mentorship is what ensures long-term sustainability.

"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 witnessing significant growth, with increased support from financial institutions, government initiatives, and investors. However, she pointed out that mentorship remains a missing element, particularly for women in agribusiness.

Through Miss Agriculture Ghana and the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness, Twumasi has been a strong advocate for mentorship programs that link aspiring female entrepreneurs with industry leaders. She believes that structured mentorship networks can help businesses overcome key 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 bridge the gap, Twumasi is calling on policymakers, business leaders, and development organisations 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 recognise 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," she stressed.

Her advocacy aligns with global efforts to foster inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly for women in agribusiness.

Twumasi also highlighted the Chick4Chicks initiative, a six-week capacity-building program for women in poultry, organised annually by the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness. She announced that this year’s program is set to begin soon, encouraging women in the poultry sector to take advantage of the opportunity.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for agribusiness and innovation, Esther Twumasi’s message serves as a powerful reminder that while financial investment may start the journey, it is mentorship that ensures long-term success.

Her call to action challenges the entrepreneurial ecosystem to rethink business support structures, ensuring that startups are not just funded but also guided toward sustainability and growth.