Cape Coast played host last week to an extraordinary convergence of female leaders at the Women Allying Women (WAW) Conference, an annual forum founded by Her Royal Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Nigeria. The 2025 edition carried the theme: “Collective Power, Lasting Impact: Women Leading Ghana’s Sustainable Transformation.”
Among the distinguished voices was Her Majesty Queen Wa Arian Simone—entrepreneur, philanthropist, CEO of the Fearless Fund, and founder of Fearless Freedom. She joined an influential panel titled “From the Crown to the Boardroom: Transgenerational Wisdom for Ghana’s Transformation.” The session explored how cultural traditions, governance principles, and the wisdom of different generations can work together to shape the continent’s future.
A Royal Perspective on Empowerment
Reflecting on her role, Queen Arian Simone described the experience as both purposeful and deeply spiritual.
“As an African Queen committed to women’s empowerment and fair access to capital, being part of Women Allying Women is not only purposeful, but it is also a divine alignment,” she said. “This is more than a gathering; it is a diasporic and royal bridge rooted in legacy and destiny. I count it a privilege to do God’s work in the earth, together and in fellowship.”
Her words underscored her ongoing mission through Fearless Freedom: to dismantle economic inequality, expand financial inclusion, and create opportunities that amplify women’s voices across Africa and beyond.
A Gathering of Influential Voices
The conference brought together an impressive lineup of women leaders from diverse industries, each offering unique perspectives on leadership and transformation:
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Ambassador Elsie Appau-Ku Essi, Technical Adviser at Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
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Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of Ehub Ghana
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Ms. Hayat Asckhar, lawyer and Managing Partner at Ethereal Limited
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Mrs. Baaba Ankrah, CEO of GIBS Café
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Petra Aba Asamoah, General Manager at Media General Ghana
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Angela Bamford, media personality and entrepreneur
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Ms. Arabba Koomson, journalist and life coach
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Stephanie Busari, CNN Bureau Head, Lagos
Together, these women provided insights into how collaboration, mentorship, and bold leadership can accelerate sustainable development in Ghana and across Africa.
Beyond the Conference
For Queen Arian Simone, the gathering was more than symbolic—it was a platform to advance a shared mission. Through her work with the Fearless Fund and Fearless Freedom, she continues to champion initiatives that provide women entrepreneurs with access to funding, mentorship, and global opportunities.
Her participation reaffirmed the message that Africa’s transformation depends on harnessing collective power—bridging royal legacies, corporate leadership, and grassroots innovation.
As the conference concluded, one thing was clear: the Women Allying Women movement is not just building networks—it is cultivating a generation of women leaders determined to leave a lasting impact on the continent’s economic, cultural, and political future.
