Personal Attributes and Motivation of Female Micro-Entrepreneurs in Ghana: A Case of Fishmongers in Central Region

Abstract

The research was carried out among women micro entrepreneurs who engage in fish mongering, one of the well known entrepreneurial activities of women in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to explore the personal and business characteristics as well as the motives behind the women’s entrepreneurial activities to provide a baseline data based on which policy and support programs could be devised to aid women’s economic development. The study revealed that majority of women fishmongers had an average age of 42 years old, were married with large families; had no formal education but had acquired training for their businesses through apprenticeship. The study also revealed that majority of the women had received start –up capital from family members as gift and have been able to build up sizable businesses through which they are able to employ other people, cater for their families and reinvest. They do have a positive attitude for their businesses and therefore employ several strategies to maximize their profits. The study further identified family circumstances and economic pressure, economic independence, and need for social recognition as the motives for their entrepreneurial activities. The study therefore concludes that the women’s participation and performance in entrepreneurial activities are stimulated and shaped by socio-cultural, and socio- economic factors. As such, any intervention programs and policies for the entrepreneurial development of these particular women should take into consideration their identified characteristics and the unique impart they have on women’s entrepreneurial behaviors.