Breaking Barriers, Building Networks: AT’s Chief Business Officer, Ethel Anamoo on gender equality in digital transformation

Every year on May 17, the world celebrates World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). This day raises awareness about the power of communication technology. The 2025 theme is “Tagged: Gender Equality in Digital Transformation.” It calls for equal access and representation for women in shaping the digital future.

In Ghana, the digital revolution focuses on inclusion, leadership, and vision. Mrs. Ethel Anamoo is a key figure in this evolution. She is the Chief Business Officer at AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo). Her story highlights both challenges and breakthroughs for women in tech.

From Military Barracks to Corporate Boardrooms: The Early Years

Ethel was born and raised in 37 Military Barracks. Her childhood dreams reflected her disciplined environment. “I wanted to be a senior military nurse like my parents,” she shares. At one point, she also dreamed of being a cabin crew member.

Her academic journey led her to the University of Cape Coast. There, she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Diploma in Education. After three years at an engineering consultancy firm, she entered the tech world. In 2000, she joined Ghana Telecom as a Customer Service Assistant Manager during the GSM revolution.

A Defining Career in Tech

This entry into telecom sparked her lifelong passion for technology. “I was fascinated by GSM technology,” Ethel says. Her desire to learn helped her climb the corporate ladder quickly. By 2008, she became Chief Manager of Corporate Sales after Vodafone acquired Ghana Telecom.

Her dedication earned her an ITU-sponsored scholarship to study Communications Management at Coventry University in the UK. She was the only non-technical female in her cohort and earned a Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma there. This experience grounded her in both technology and management.

Resilience, Results, and Representation

Despite working in a male-dominated field, Ethel refused to let stereotypes limit her potential. “There were fewer female role models when I started,” she recalls. She relied on mentorship, continuous learning, and performance to succeed.

At Vodafone, under an expatriate line manager's guidance, she joined the “Women in Excellence” program. She received training in Telecom Strategy and Project Management from seasoned mentors like Dr. Mrs. Stella Agyenin Boateng.

In 2018, Ethel became Chief Business Officer at AT Ghana. She leads Enterprise Sales, Product Development, Commercial Marketing, and Analytics today.

Gender Equality in Digital Transformation

Ethel believes women's roles are vital for digital transformation success. “Diversity drives innovation,” she states confidently. Companies with diverse teams achieve better business outcomes.

However, challenges remain—unconscious bias and limited representation persist alongside the digital divide. To change this narrative, companies should adopt blind hiring practices and promote female role models.

At AT Ghana, they are making strides through inclusive hiring practices and flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance.

Words to the Next Generation

Ethel advises aspiring women in tech: “Believe in yourself; be resilient.” She encourages them to find their passion and ask for help when needed while celebrating small wins along their journey.

Looking back at her younger self’s journey reminds her to trust it all while being kind to herself along the way.

Ethel hopes to inspire confidence among young women while advocating for inclusivity within tech fields.

AT is committed to creating a digitally inclusive society through innovation.
On this World Telecommunication Day, we celebrate Ethel's story not just for how far she's come but also for paving paths for others.