In Tamale on Tuesday, stories of determination and grit found new meaning as 160 small and medium-scale business owners were rewarded with financial and technical support under the MTN SME Support Program. The ceremony, held at the Radach Lodge and Conference Centre, saw entrepreneurs from women-led ventures, youth-driven initiatives and businesses run by persons with disabilities walk away with a combined package of GH¢2 million to grow their enterprises.
The program, now in its third year, is spearheaded by the MTN Ghana Foundation in partnership with Innohub and Fidelity Bank Ghana. It has emerged as one of the most inclusive initiatives aimed at strengthening northern Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape, combining direct financial support with training in core business management skills.
Delivering the keynote address, Cynthia Mills, Economic Empowerment Advisor at the MTN Ghana Foundation, described the initiative as a reward for resilience and creativity. She explained that 354 businesses from Tamale and Bolgatanga were initially assessed through training sessions and pitch competitions before 160 were carefully selected for support. The beneficiaries, she noted, represent industries such as shea butter processing, poultry, peanut butter production, fish mongering, fashion design, agribusiness and the creative arts.
“These businesses are more than sources of income,” Mills said. “They are the result of determination, sacrifice and vision. MTN is proud to stand with these entrepreneurs as they take the next step in building sustainable enterprises that will create jobs and transform communities.” She emphasised that the disbursement reflected MTN’s commitment to inclusivity, with targeted support for youth-led, women-led and differently-abled enterprises.
Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager at MTN Ghana, reinforced the point that the initiative was not simply about money. He explained that MTN partnered with Innohub to ensure that the financial packages were paired with practical knowledge in bookkeeping, financial management and reinvestment strategies. “Our goal is not just to hand out funds,” he said. “We want these businesses to grow, to last, and to create ripple effects across society. That is why we combine training with funding, to help entrepreneurs put their dreams into practice in sustainable ways.”
For Mame Serwaa Amoakohene, Chief of Staff at Innohub, the partnership reflected a long-term vision to strengthen businesses that are often overlooked. She explained that while large companies easily attract investors, many small and growing enterprises are left struggling on the margins. “These businesses may look small, but they carry the potential to become investor-ready and scale up. That is why we invest in them — not just financially, but also through innovative strategies, leadership training and succession planning. Because when small businesses thrive, communities thrive.”
Among the beneficiaries, the sense of reward was deeply personal. Niamatu Alhassan, founder and CEO of Angbanlife, whose agribusiness produces natural Sobolo drinks, said the package would allow her to expand production, meet customer demand and introduce new flavours. “This is the breakthrough I have been working toward,” she said, smiling.
For Mohammed Tahiru, CEO of Suglo Shoe Enterprise, a member of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled, the recognition meant far more than financial assistance. “For so long, people thought disability meant we could not contribute. But today MTN has shown that we have something valuable to offer. This support will help me improve my handmade shoes and also inspire other persons with disabilities to dream bigger.”
The ceremony in Tamale was more than a corporate event; it was a celebration of resilience rewarded. For the 160 entrepreneurs, the GH¢2 million boost represents not only capital but also validation of their hard work and a new beginning for their businesses.
As they left the Radach Lodge, clutching their awards and renewed confidence, one truth was clear: resilience pays off. With MTN’s SME Support Program, dreams once delayed by lack of resources are being turned into stories of growth, empowerment and transformation across northern Ghana.
