The entrepreneurial spirit of northern Ghana was celebrated in grand style as 160 small business owners received financial and technical support totaling GH¢2 million under the MTN SME Support Program. The event, held at the Radach Lodge and Conference Centre in Tamale, brought together entrepreneurs, development partners, and community leaders to recognise the resilience and innovation driving businesses across the region.
Organised by the MTN Ghana Foundation, in collaboration with Innohub and Fidelity Bank Ghana, the initiative aims to strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through financial assistance, training, and mentorship. Now in its third year, the program has become a beacon of hope for entrepreneurs who, despite limited resources, continue to transform their communities with creativity and hard work.
From agribusiness ventures producing nutritious Sobolo tea to artisanal shoemaking by physically challenged entrepreneurs, the diversity of the awardees underscored the richness of northern Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape. Shea butter processors, poultry farmers, fishmongers, tailors, creative artists, and other micro-entrepreneurs also took centre stage as beneficiaries of the program.
Cynthia Mills, Economic Empowerment Advisor at the MTN Ghana Foundation, explained that over 350 applications were received from Tamale and Bolgatanga, out of which 160 were carefully shortlisted after rigorous assessments. “This program is about more than money—it is about nurturing potential. These businesses, though small, have the capacity to transform lives, create jobs, and strengthen local economies,” she said.
She revealed that the disbursement was divided across three groups: GH¢970,000 for women-led businesses, GH¢630,000 for youth-led enterprises, and GH¢400,000 for differently-abled entrepreneurs. “This is about inclusivity. We want every hardworking entrepreneur—whether youth, women, or persons with disabilities—to have the opportunity to thrive,” she added.
Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager at MTN Ghana, emphasised that MTN’s commitment went beyond financial support. “We are providing training in bookkeeping, business management, and reinvestment strategies. It is not just about giving people money, but about equipping them with the knowledge to build sustainable enterprises that can stand the test of time,” he explained.
Speaking on behalf of Innohub, Mame Serwaa Amoakohene, Chief of Staff, highlighted the importance of partnerships in strengthening small businesses. “Entrepreneurs often find themselves caught in the middle—not small enough to be ignored, but not big enough to attract investor attention. This program bridges that gap by offering both funding and technical support to help them become investor-ready,” she said.
For many beneficiaries, the moment was life-changing. Niamatu Alhassan, founder of Angbanlife, whose business produces Sobolo tea infused with ginger, clove, and lemongrass, shared her excitement: “With this support, I can diversify my flavours, improve packaging, and reach new markets. It is a dream come true for my agribusiness.”
Similarly, Mohammed Tahiru, CEO of Suglo Shoe Enterprise and a member of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled, described the support as validation of his resilience. “For years, people thought disability meant limitation. Today, MTN has shown that we are capable. With this grant, I will expand my handmade shoe business and provide for my family with pride,” he said to resounding applause.
The event was filled with an atmosphere of celebration, with dignitaries, traditional leaders, and development stakeholders commending MTN Ghana Foundation, Innohub, and Fidelity Bank for championing inclusive entrepreneurship in the north.
As the program concluded, it became evident that the MTN SME Support Program is more than a financial initiative—it is a platform that gives entrepreneurs the tools to dream bigger, act bolder, and create lasting impact. From Sobolo producers to shoemakers, these small businesses represent the beating heart of northern Ghana’s economy, now poised for a brighter and more sustainable future.
