Beneficiaries of MTN Ghana’s SME Accelerated Programme have commended the initiative for significantly transforming their businesses through access to funding, mentorship and digital tools.
Now in its third edition, the programme is designed to equip Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with the capacity to grow into competitive players in Ghana’s economy.
Ms Ruth Osei, a textile and African prints dealer, said the intervention had been a turning point for her business.
Sharing her experience at the Kumasi edition of the programme, Ms Osei said the financial support and mentorship she received enabled her to expand operations and increase her workforce to 10 employees.
“I started on a small scale, but through this programme, I have been able to grow my business and create jobs for others,” she said, expressing gratitude to MTN Ghana.
Mr Anthony Ekuban, a local detergent manufacturer, also praised the initiative, describing it as a critical link between small businesses and financial institutions.
He said the specialised training and investment support had helped him improve production capacity and reposition his business for growth.
“The programme has changed the way I run my business. My production has increased, and I am now operating at a higher level than before,” he said.
The SME Accelerated Programme provides participants with business development support, financial literacy training and access to digital solutions to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Some beneficiaries said that beyond funding, the hands-on business clinics helped them address operational challenges, including digital integration, supply chain management and regulatory compliance.
Mr Abubakar Sidiq Mohammed, Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN Ghana, said the programme included continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure that participating businesses recorded measurable growth.
“Our partners do not just provide one-off training. They track the performance of participants to ensure the programme translates into real business growth,” he said.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises account for about 92% of registered businesses in Ghana and contribute approximately 70% to the Gross Domestic Product.
However, many SMEs face challenges such as limited access to credit and inadequate digital infrastructure.
Beneficiaries believe initiatives such as the SME Accelerated Programme would help bridge these gaps and position local enterprises to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
GNA
