Over 120 entrepreneurs in the Ashanti Region have received vital training and support through MTN Ghana’s SME Business Clinic held in Kumasi, under the company’s flagship SME Accelerate Programme. The initiative provided participants with practical knowledge in digital engagement, financial management, and capacity building, while also connecting them to business solutions that can enhance their growth and competitiveness.
The clinic brought together a diverse group of small business owners, including members of tailoring and dressmaking associations, trade groups, and sole proprietors. It was designed to tackle the unique challenges that confront SMEs, particularly in areas such as access to finance, business insurance, and stock protection.
Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN Ghana, Mr. Abubakari Sidick, explained that the programme was branded as a “clinic” because it seeks to diagnose and provide tailored solutions to the operational difficulties faced by entrepreneurs. He emphasized that this was the fourth such clinic to be organized in Kumasi, underscoring MTN’s long-standing commitment to supporting local businesses.
“Our aim is to provide SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and digital innovations that will help them overcome obstacles and remain competitive. Small businesses are the driving force of Ghana’s economy, and this programme is part of our contribution to ensure they are better equipped to grow and create jobs,” he said.
The Kumasi clinic also featured an SME Fair, which gave entrepreneurs the opportunity to exhibit their products and services to a wider audience. The fair served as a networking platform for businesses to connect, exchange ideas, and establish partnerships, while also showcasing MTN’s range of digital solutions including voice, data, and SMS packages as well as business management tools.
A major highlight of the clinic was the involvement of Sanlam Allianz, MTN’s partner in the programme. Head of Business Development and Distribution (Corporate and Commercial) at Sanlam Allianz, Ernestina Nana Adwoa Oyelaran, stressed the importance of empowering entrepreneurs with not just knowledge but also protection for their investments. She explained that SMEs put enormous resources into their businesses and therefore require tailored insurance and financial solutions to secure their efforts.
“SMEs are the backbone of every economy. They invest their money, time, and creativity to build businesses that support families and communities. It is important that their investments are protected so they can operate with confidence. That is why we are proud to partner with MTN on this initiative,” she said.
Many of the participants described the programme as eye-opening and transformational. They noted that the clinic had taught them new approaches to record-keeping, financial discipline, and customer engagement. One entrepreneur remarked that the training had changed their perspective, saying, “We have learned that the size of a business does not determine its value. This clinic has given us practical tools to strengthen our operations, and it has been very impactful.”
The Kumasi Business Clinic formed part of activities marking SME Month, during which MTN Ghana is rolling out a series of programmes and exhibitions across the country to build the capacity of small businesses and help them adopt digital innovations.
By organizing the SME Accelerate Programme in Kumasi, MTN Ghana has once again demonstrated its dedication to empowering entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. The company continues to play a vital role in shaping a resilient SME sector that contributes significantly to Ghana’s economic growth and development.
