MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises with the successful organization of its SME Business Clinic in Kumasi. The event brought together 120 entrepreneurs from across the Ashanti Region, including members of dressmaking and tailoring associations, business groups, and sole proprietors, all seeking to sharpen their skills and expand their opportunities.
The SME Clinic forms part of MTN’s flagship SME Accelerate Programme, an initiative designed to provide entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, digital tools, and financial solutions to boost their competitiveness. It also complements the wider SME Month activities, which include business exhibitions, networking sessions, and workshops aimed at equipping business owners with the tools to thrive in a fast-changing economic environment.
Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN Ghana, Mr. Abubakari Sidick, explained that the programme is described as a “clinic” because it addresses the unique needs of small businesses, many of which require tailored support to overcome structural and operational challenges. He noted that this was the fourth clinic organized in Kumasi and emphasized MTN’s focus on supporting businesses to overcome barriers such as access to finance, insurance, and stock protection. According to him, SMEs remain central to Ghana’s economic development, and empowering them is a priority for the company.
The event was also marked by MTN’s partnership with Sanlam Allianz, a global leader in insurance and financial services. The collaboration focused on introducing entrepreneurs to insurance packages and financial solutions that safeguard their businesses against risks. Head of Business Development and Distribution (Corporate and Commercial) at Sanlam Allianz, Ernestina Nana Adwoa Oyelaran, said her outfit recognizes the sacrifices entrepreneurs make in building their businesses and is committed to protecting their investments. She stressed that small businesses are the backbone of every economy, hence the need to empower them to operate with confidence and resilience.
Entrepreneurs who participated in the clinic described the programme as an eye-opener that changed their perception of small businesses. Many highlighted the practical lessons learned in record-keeping, financial management, and strategic planning, as well as the exposure to digital solutions designed to improve their operations. One participant remarked that the clinic had demonstrated that the size of a business does not determine its importance, adding that the training had been highly impactful.
Beyond the training, the clinic created a platform for entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and services, connect with potential customers, and network with other businesses. It also served as a space for exchanging ideas and forming partnerships that could drive growth in the future.
By bringing together entrepreneurs, industry experts, and financial service providers, MTN Ghana once again demonstrated its dedication to empowering small businesses to succeed. Through initiatives like the SME Business Clinic, the company is helping to create a resilient SME sector that continues to play a vital role in Ghana’s economic transformation.
