By Mohammed Ibrahim

Copyright zaaghana

The MTN Ghana Foundation has provided financial support totaling GH₵2 million to 160 small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) led by women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the Northern, Savannah, and Upper East regions.

The financial assistance was announced during a colorful awards and grants ceremony held in Tamale. The initiative, known as the MTN SME Support Program, is being implemented in partnership with Innohub and Fidelity Bank Ghana, and aims to strengthen small businesses and promote inclusive economic growth in northern Ghana.

The event, which doubled as a product exhibition, allowed beneficiaries to showcase goods and services ranging from shea butter and peanut butter processing to poultry farming, fish mongering, fashion design, and the creative arts.

According to organizers, the program is part of a broader effort to build resilient, sustainable businesses, especially among marginalized groups.

Participants underwent pitch competitions, business management training, and capacity-building sessions, with some modules specifically designed for PWD-led enterprises.

Training topics included record-keeping, basic accounting, and strategies for sustaining and expanding small businesses.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Robert Kuzo, Senior Manager at MTN Ghana Foundation, encouraged recipients to stay focused and reinvest their grants for business growth.

“This program started in 2022 with the aim of ensuring no one is left behind in the SME sector. We are committed to seeing your businesses grow and thrive,” Mr. Kuzo said.

Cynthia Mills, Economic Empowerment Advisor at the MTN Ghana Foundation, described the program as a key step toward inclusive economic empowerment, adding that this year’s edition assessed 354 businesses in Tamale and Bolgatanga, of which 160 were shortlisted for the grants.

She gave a breakdown of the disbursement: Women-led businesses: GH₵970,000, Youth-led businesses: GH₵630,000andPWD-led businesses: GH₵400,000.

“These sectors have the potential not only to transform the lives of the entrepreneurs but also to create job opportunities for others,” she added.

Maame Serwa Amoakohene, Chief of Staff at Innohub, emphasized the need to bridge the funding gap between micro and medium-scale enterprises.

“Innohub, as an enterprise support organization, is working to help SMEs access funding and grow sustainably,” she noted.

She revealed that nearly GH₵3 million has already been disbursed as working capital to SMEs through the MTN Ghana Foundation. The initial investment of GH₵25.1 million has since grown to GH₵30 million, representing a 19% increase in business growth among beneficiaries.

She further disclosed that an additional GH₵2 million in funding is expected to be disbursed soon.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Mohammed Tahiru, a member of the Ghana Society of Persons with Disabilities, thanked MTN Ghana Foundation for recognizing their potential.

“Many people think persons with disabilities should be on the streets begging, but MTN has proven that we are capable. We’re grateful for this opportunity,” Mr. Tahiru said.

Another beneficiary, Nimatu Alhassan, Founder and CEO of Anganlife, received a GH₵20,000 grant to boost production of her Sobolo tea, made from ginger, clove, and lemongrass.

“This support will help me increase production and improve the quality of my Sobolo for customers,” she said.