By Joyce Kantam Kolamong
160 business owners in Northern Ghana have been celebrated and awarded a financial package worth GH¢2 million under the MTN SME Support Programme. The event, organised by Innohub in partnership with the MTN Ghana Foundation and Fidelity Bank Ghana, in Tamale, was geared to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth in Northern Ghana. It was attended by entrepreneurs from various sectors, including women and persons with disabilities.
Background
The programme, now in its third year, assessed 354 enterprises in Tamale and Bolgatanga, shortlisting 160 for support. These beneficiaries underwent pitch competitions and business management training sessions, some specifically targeting persons with disabilities, to strengthen their ability to run sustainable enterprises.
In an interview with journalists, Senior Manager for the MTN Ghana Foundation, Robert Kuzoe, expressed the organization’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“At MTN, we say that we are not leaving anybody behind, and so all-inclusive. We are looking at the youth, we are targeting the women, and at the same time also targeting the differently abled in our society.”
Mame Serwaa Amoakohene, Chief of Staff at Innohub, highlighted the organization’s focus on entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses.
“Our primary focus is entrepreneurship… We realized that there is a gap in supporting micro, medium, and small businesses, and that’s where Innohub came in.”
She emphasized the importance of capacity building, innovative strategies, and financial funding in helping businesses grow.
Some programme participants shared their experiences of the programme with GBC News.
“This programme is so lovely and so interesting. MTN called us for training, and we learned how to manage our business, save money, and package our products.” Mohamed Tahiru, CEO of Suglo Shoe Enterprise, a local shoemaker and a member of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled, expressed gratitude for the financial support, which he believes will help him progress and support his family.
Niamatu Alhassan, Founder and CEO of Angbanlife, said: “This support would help us scale up the production line through the introduction of our new variety. It will also support us to meet other like-minded young entrepreneurs to build partnerships with them.”
The programme participants represent sectors such as shea butter and peanut butter processing, poultry farming, fishmongering, fashion design, and creative arts.
The MTN SME Support Programme has been instrumental in empowering entrepreneurs in Northern Ghana, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. With the financial support and training provided, these entrepreneurs are poised to make a significant impact in their respective industries.
