“A Woman But a Builder”: Prophetess Mabel Zango Speaks on Identity, Mentorship and Economic Empowerment

Prophetess Mabel Zango Tanye-Kulono says too many women feel powerless and overshadowed, and that is why she created A Woman But a Builder a yearly conference and platform to help women reclaim their voice, identity, and economic power.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 2026 edition held at the Lancaster Hotel in Accra, Prophetess Mabel said the conference was born from her personal experience.

“Most women feel they are powerless,” she said. “I decided to have a platform so that women can have their voice, can be heard. Many times women feel they are not enough in society. I have been through life, I have been through so many challenges, and I felt that with the experiences I have been through, it’s about time for me to reach out to the young ones coming up to understand who they are.”

“Identity comes first”

For Prophetess Mabel, the foundation of a woman’s strength is knowing who she is. She said many challenges women face stem from a lack of self-identity.

“First of all, identity. If they don’t know who they are, they usually feel that the challenges they are going through are to suppress them,” she explained. “But we all, in some way or the other, go through trials. When you are faced with one or two challenges, it doesn’t mean that you are not a complete woman. A woman is born to face challenges, and it’s the challenges that make you who you are.”

She drew on Proverbs 14:1, “A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands,” to explain the conference theme A Woman But a Builder.

“A wise woman is able to build anything that is given to her,” she said. “The Bible says a man was not complete until a woman was born. It doesn’t mean a man cannot be fulfilled, but it is God’s divine plan that a woman should come and be part of a man, so that two can complete the purpose of God.”

She also urged women to communicate with wisdom and patience, especially in settings where speaking up can be misunderstood.

“You don’t have to be disrespectful, but find yourself able to bring out your message across, so that you will not step on any soul,” she said. “Understand what message you are carrying, and send your message across respectfully and peacefully.”

Mentorship and economic empowerment

Prophetess Mabel said mentorship is urgently needed, particularly in northern Ghana, where cultural norms often silence young girls.

“There’s a word that says when you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” she said. “A lot of women are missing self-identity, low self-esteem, all these things. It’s better for women like us to speak our voice, to teach our young ones that it is okay.”

On economic empowerment, she advised young women to start with a clear plan and self-awareness.

“Building anything is not going to be easy. You need to first of all have a plan, know who you are,” she said. “Your purpose is what is in you. There’s a burning sensation that cannot stop. You fail, you still wake up and do it again. That tells you this is where God wants you to be.”

She encouraged women to research, ask questions, and give their best, noting that seriousness and resilience attract support.

“When you do it with all seriousness, with awareness, and with self-identity, empowerment, resilience, you’ll be able to do everything that you desire to do in life,” she said.

On the Women Development Bank

Asked about the government’s newly announced Women Development Bank, Prophetess Mabel said it could help fill a critical gap for women who want to build but lack access to capital.

“I don’t know much about it, but I think it would go a long way to help women,” she said. “Some women really want to build, but as to where to get the help from is a problem. If there’s an institution like that for women to go and seek even just a little help to push them, it will go a long way. Many times market women want just something small to push them to do something better for the future, but no place to go.”

She acknowledged the work of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, NGOs, and women’s ministries, but said more grassroots mentorship and practical support are still needed.

About the conference

The 2026 edition of _A Woman But a Builder_ ran under the theme _“I Believe…”_ from Mark 9:23. It featured Rev. Dr. Charlotte Adu-Poku and Rev. Cynthia MacCauley as speakers, with song ministration by gospel artist Celestine Donkor. The event was hosted under Prophetess Mabel’s _Mother Nest_ initiative and its _Modern Nest_ series on women’s identity and leadership.

Prophetess Mabel said she hopes the platform will remain a space where women understand that challenges do not define them.

“When we are being silent, we should take half patience, just follow our dreams, and understand that with time, God will bring things together for us to bring out our voice in a right way,” she said.