MTN Ghana reaffirmed its deep commitment to supporting Ghana’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), driving their growth through innovation, digital empowerment, and strategic partnerships at the 2025 SMEGA Awards ceremony in Accra.
The MTN SMEGA Awards, a flagship annual initiative, continues to celebrate Ghanaian SMEs demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and resilience in driving socio-economic growth. The platform has empowered hundreds of businesses by providing mentorship, crucial visibility, and access to essential digital and financial resources that have strengthened Ghana’s business ecosystem.
As the headline sponsor, MTN Ghana joined a distinguished gathering of policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the indispensable role SMEs play as Ghana’s economic engine and primary job creators.
Speaking at the ceremony, Angela Mensah-Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Ghana, commended Ghanaian entrepreneurs for their creativity and resilience, emphasizing that the SME sector forms the backbone of the country’s economy. She said the event was both a celebration of achievement and a tribute to the people who run Ghana’s economy, noting that SMEs contribute over 70 percent of Ghana’s GDP and employ millions across all regions. She added that MTN remains committed to providing MSMEs with the digital tools and commercial ecosystem needed to compete and grow beyond Ghana’s borders, stressing that empowering SMEs is synonymous with empowering Ghana’s future.
Ms. Mensah-Poku further highlighted MTN’s continuous initiatives designed to accelerate SME growth, including MTN Adwumapa, MoMo for Business, the SME Accelerator Programme, and SME Business Clinics. According to her, these programmes were carefully developed to equip enterprises with robust digital tools, promote financial inclusion, and offer comprehensive business development support that ensures sustainability and competitiveness in a fast-evolving market.
The ceremony was graced by Shri Manish Gupta, India’s High Commissioner to Ghana, who served as the special guest of honour. He praised Ghana’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in trade, technology, and capacity development. He announced that India aims to double its trade with Ghana from USD 3 billion to USD 6 billion within the next five years, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in fostering SME growth and development.
Kwesi Ofori Jnr, Head of SMEGA Ghana, expressed deep gratitude to MTN Ghana, sponsors, and partners for their continuous support. He emphasized that through the SMEGA platform, many businesses have transformed into regional and global brands. He disclosed that over 67 SMEs have benefited from digital and technical training through MTN’s partnership, with new initiatives underway to expand Ghanaian SMEs’ access to markets across India, China, and Europe. He noted that MTN’s sustained partnership and investment in SMEs have created opportunities for innovation and inclusive economic growth.
The most memorable moment of the night came when Rita Aku-Shika Diabah, Chief Executive Officer of Yesli Ice, was named the Overall Best SME of the Year. Her company’s remarkable growth, leadership, and innovation positioned Yesli Ice as a shining example of excellence within Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape. Ms. Diabah’s achievement was further amplified as she won three additional awards—SME Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Production Innovation Award, and Food and Beverage Category—cementing her reputation as one of Ghana’s most visionary business leaders.
In all, twenty-one other SMEs from various industries were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to innovation, sustainability, and business excellence at the 2025 SMEGA Awards.
The 2025 edition of the MTN SMEGA Awards once again demonstrated MTN Ghana’s unwavering commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and accelerating Ghana’s digital and economic transformation. The event celebrated innovation, resilience, and the collective determination of Ghana’s SME sector to drive national development and global competitiveness.
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Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer
Georgina Asare Fiagbenu
Corporate Communications Senior Manager
Email: mtnghana.mediaoffice@mtn.com
About MTN Ghana
MTN Ghana is the market leader in the mobile telecommunications industry in Ghana, offering subscribers a range of exciting options under Pay As You Go, Pay Monthly, and Mobile Financial Services. The company is part of the MTN Group, a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to its customers. Inspired by the belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, Scancom PLC is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Its strategic focus, Ambition 2025, aims at leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
