As part of efforts to promote women’s well-being and workplace empowerment, the MTN Ghana Y’ello Ladies Network has organised a “Mmaa Nkomo” dialogue session focused on mental health, financial independence, emotional wellness, and personal growth.
The forum brought together female employees of MTN Ghana for engaging discussions on mental health, relationship management, legal awareness, emotional resilience, self-care, and balancing career and family responsibilities.
The initiative formed part of MTN Ghana’s staff development programmes under the Y’ello Ladies Network, a platform dedicated to supporting women within the organisation through mentorship, shared experiences, and personal and professional development.
The session featured expert-led conversations aimed at encouraging women to prioritise their emotional health, financial stability, and overall well-being while navigating the demands of work, relationships, and family life.
Speaking during the dialogue, Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana and Chairperson of the Y’ello Ladies Network, Antoinette Kwofie, said the “Mmaa Nkomo” series was introduced to provide women with a safe and open space to discuss real-life challenges affecting their well-being beyond the workplace.
According to her, the initiative goes beyond professional development and addresses critical issues such as emotional labour, marriage, relationships, financial independence, emotional health, self-awareness, and self-care.
Mrs. Kwofie noted that many women often prioritise the needs of others while neglecting their own emotional, financial, and personal well-being.
She explained that the dialogue series encourages women to become more intentional about their personal growth, financial security, emotional balance, and overall health while managing both professional and family responsibilities.
She further stressed the importance of self-awareness and preserving one’s identity in relationships and marriage, stating that women must not lose themselves in the process of supporting others.
Mrs. Kwofie disclosed that the latest edition of the “Mmaa Nkomo” session attracted more than 500 virtual participants and over 100 physical attendees, reflecting growing interest in conversations centred on women’s wellness and empowerment.
“We discussed how women can attain financial independence, celebrate themselves, and take proper care of themselves,” she stated.
She added that the Y’ello Ladies Network would continue to expand the dialogue series to address emerging issues affecting women within the organisation while creating more opportunities for mentorship, support, and learning.
Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Joana Afful Larry-Afutu, also urged women to prioritise their mental health, warning that emotional stress can significantly affect physical health, productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life.
She explained that many women experience emotional strain without recognising the warning signs, noting that symptoms such as persistent fatigue, headaches, forgetfulness, mood swings, irritability, and sleep disturbances should not be ignored.
According to Dr. Larry-Afutu, societal expectations continue to place enormous pressure on women to become the “ideal woman,” forcing many to overstretch themselves in an attempt to meet family, workplace, and social expectations.
She stated that the pressure to constantly perform multiple responsibilities without adequate support often leads to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and mental distress.
Dr. Larry-Afutu encouraged participants to prioritise rest, seek emotional or professional support when necessary, and intentionally engage in activities that restore emotional balance and mental stability.
She also emphasised the importance of setting boundaries and making time for self-care despite demanding schedules.
The clinical psychologist further called for shared responsibility within households, urging spouses and children to actively support domestic responsibilities to reduce the emotional and mental burden often placed on women.
According to her, strong and healthy families are built on cooperation, communication, understanding, and emotional support.
Lady Pastor and Relationship Expert, Theresa Wiafe Asante, popularly known as Mama T, also encouraged women to maintain emotional balance and protect their identity in relationships and marriage.
She observed that many women continue to experience emotional pressure due to societal expectations and cultural demands, often suppressing their feelings and sacrificing their peace of mind in the process.
Mama T stressed that healthy relationships should be built on communication, mutual respect, understanding, and shared responsibility rather than fear, emotional manipulation, or control.
She urged women not to suffer in silence when faced with emotional difficulties in relationships or marriage.
“Your marriage should not take away your identity or your peace of mind. No one has the right to push you into emotional or mental distress,” she stated.
She further encouraged women to intentionally invest in their emotional, spiritual, financial, and professional growth while continuing to support their families and communities.
Mama T also cautioned against toxic relationship patterns and unhealthy emotional dynamics that undermine confidence, dignity, and self-worth.
Legal practitioner, Lily Afua Lartey, on her part, advised women to proactively protect their property rights within marriage through proper documentation and financial awareness.
She explained that although many women contribute significantly to family assets through financial support, labour, business assistance, and other forms of contribution, they often fail to properly document their involvement.
According to her, Ghanaian courts now recognise “substantial contribution” in property disputes, including both financial and non-financial contributions made during marriage.
Lawyer Lartey therefore urged women to keep proper records of their contributions, including receipts, bank transfers, investment documents, and evidence of involvement in joint property acquisition and projects.
She stressed that transparency and proper documentation are essential in protecting women’s interests and ensuring fairness in property ownership and financial matters.
She further encouraged couples to involve each other in major financial decisions and maintain clarity regarding property ownership arrangements.
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According to her, safeguarding one’s interests in marriage should not be viewed as mistrust, but rather as accountability, fairness, and long-term financial security.
The dialogue session brought together female employees of MTN Ghana for extensive conversations on emotional resilience, relationships, personal growth, financial independence, and balancing family life, all aimed at strengthening workplace wellness and empowering women within the organisation.
The programme forms part of MTN Ghana’s broader commitment to staff welfare, inclusion, and empowerment through initiatives that promote both personal and professional development across the organisation.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
