Through banking, traditional leadership and community initiatives, Marian Amartey is championing financial inclusion, digital skills and entrepreneurship to help build a more empowered Ghana.
Author: Raphael Richstison
From the traditional institution to the corporate boardroom and the heart of the community, Naa Amorkor Shikafutru I, also known as Marian Amartey, is building a leadership legacy anchored in service, empowerment and impact.
A Queen Mother, banker, business strategist and advocate for women and youth development, Naa Amorkor has made it her mission to create opportunities for people to learn, grow and participate meaningfully in Ghana’s economic transformation.
Her work brings together two worlds that are often viewed separately, the influence of traditional leadership and the expertise of the modern corporate environment.
For her, the two can work hand in hand.
A LEADER DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
In her professional career, Marian Amartey serves as Head of Women Banking, where she focuses on supporting the growth of businesses and expanding financial opportunities for women and entrepreneurs.
With experience in strategy, business growth and reducing non-performing loans, her work within Ghana’s financial sector is centred on building sustainable and investable businesses.
Her advocacy extends to SMEs, traders and young entrepreneurs who often face challenges accessing finance, business knowledge and the networks required to grow.
She believes that financial inclusion must go beyond simply providing access to banking services.
It must also empower individuals with the knowledge, confidence and resources to build sustainable livelihoods.
That philosophy has become a defining feature of her leadership journey.
RECOGNITION FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Naa Amorkor’s contribution to women’s leadership and entrepreneurship recently received recognition from WIBA Africa, which honoured her with a Distinguished Leadership Citation following her role as Keynote Speaker at the Women in Business Summit (WIBS) 2026 in Accra.
Her address at the summit challenged women entrepreneurs and business leaders to build with courage, purpose and excellence.
But her message was not limited to personal achievement.
She urged participants to think about the wider impact of their businesses and leadership, encouraging them to create enterprises and initiatives that can contribute to Africa’s long-term development.
Her message reflects a leadership philosophy that sees business not only as a vehicle for wealth creation, but also as a tool for social transformation.
BRINGING DIGITAL OPPORTUNITIES TO GA MASHIE
One of the clearest examples of her commitment to grassroots development is the Ga Mashie Computer Lab Project.
The initiative is designed to provide young people in the Ga community with access to technology, digital skills and financial literacy.
At a time when digital competence is increasingly linked to education, employment and entrepreneurship, the project seeks to ensure that young people are not left behind by the digital revolution.
For Naa Amorkor, access to technology can open doors that were previously out of reach.
Her vision is to equip young people with the tools to learn, earn and lead; giving them a stronger foundation to participate in Ghana’s evolving digital economy.
The initiative also reflects her broader belief that sustainable development must begin at the community level.
A CHAMPION FOR WOMEN AT THE GRASSROOTS
While her professional work takes her into the formal financial sector, her advocacy also reaches women working in Ghana’s informal economy.
Naa Amorkor engages with market queens, women’s groups and community associations, promoting savings, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and leadership.
Her work seeks to address some of the barriers that prevent women from fully participating in economic activity.
By encouraging women to save, invest in their businesses and develop their leadership capacity, she hopes to contribute to stronger households and more resilient communities.
For her, empowering a woman has an impact that extends beyond the individual.
It can influence families, businesses and entire communities.
THE EAGLE AND THE ART OF LEADERSHIP
Naa Amorkor draws inspiration from the qualities of the eagle — vision, courage, resilience and the ability to lift others while rising.
The symbolism captures her understanding of what leadership should represent.
She believes that true leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but by the ability to serve, inspire and create opportunities for others.
That belief has shaped her approach to both traditional leadership and her professional responsibilities.
For Naa Amorkor, the success of one person should never be the end of the journey.
The real measure of leadership, she believes, is the number of people who are empowered to rise alongside you.
BUILDING A LEGACY BEYOND THE TITLE
As Naa Amorkor Shikafutru I, she carries the responsibilities of traditional leadership.
As Marian Amartey, she operates within Ghana’s financial and corporate landscape.
But across both roles, her message remains the same: inclusive growth must leave no one behind.
Her areas of interest — women in business, financial inclusion, youth and digital skills, education, community development and leadership — reflect a broader vision for a Ghana where more people have the tools and opportunities to succeed.
Her journey is a reminder that leadership can take many forms.
It can be found in the boardroom, in the community, in the marketplace and in the classroom.
And for Naa Amorkor Shikafutru I, leadership is ultimately about service.
Her work continues to demonstrate a belief that when women are economically empowered, when young people have access to digital opportunities and when communities are equipped to grow, the impact extends far beyond individuals.
It strengthens the nation.
And that is the legacy Naa Amorkor Shikafutru I is working to build; one opportunity, one woman, one young person and one community at a time.
