Business

Over 100 SMEs complete ILO SCORE training with support from German Development Cooperation

AnyFans 2025-10-04

By Seli Baisie

More than 100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from 11 regions across Ghana have successfully completed the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) training programme, aimed at improving productivity, workplace organisation, and resource efficiency.

The latest phase of the programme, launched in November 2024, concluded with a certification ceremony in Accra, where 106 SMEs were recognised for their participation. The initiative was supported by the German Development Cooperation and implemented by the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), under the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, in partnership with other SCORE implementing agencies.

SCORE is a global training model that blends practical classroom sessions with in-factory consultancy, equipping SMEs with the tools to enhance occupational safety, streamline operations, and improve resource use. Since 2021, collaboration between MDPI and the Invest for Jobs programme, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has enabled four SCORE phases, reaching more than 500 SMEs nationwide.

Speaking at the ceremony, Eunice Agyepong, Head of SME Component for Invest for Jobs at GIZ Ghana, stressed the programme’s critical role in strengthening Ghana’s SME sector and driving job creation.

Prof. Elijah Yendaw, Director-General of MDPI, praised the collaboration and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to grow their businesses. “Your business is a bridge to your dreams. Build it strong, nurture it with passion, and watch it transform into prosperity,” he told the graduating SMEs.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the ILO, Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment (MLJE), Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industries (MoTAI), Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), trade unions, SCORE implementing partners, and participating SMEs.

Officials say the continued partnership between Ghana and its international development partners is expected to strengthen the SME ecosystem, enhance competitiveness, and create sustainable jobs across the country.