The Chief Executive of rlg Communications, Roland Agambire has attributed the slow growth of many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the failure of owners of such businesses to take risks. He said the situation has particularly undermined the growth of SMEs especially in northern Ghana in spite of the significant presence of natural resources and opportunities. Mr Agambire was addressing this year’s Northern Ghana Entrepreneurship Seminar organized by the United States Embassy in the Northern Regional Capital, Tamale. The two-day seminar, the second of its kind was intended to equip young entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs in northern Ghana. It was attended by graduates of tertiary institutions, university lecturers and businessmen and women. “I have never been shy to fail. After all, entrepreneurship is about perseverance, trust and honesty”, he told participants. The rlg CEO who also chairs the AGAMS Group of Companies, took a swipe at some SME owners, condemning what he called the “freebies” mentality. According to him, the colonial missionaries are responsible for “the NGO mindset which does not augur well for business”. The managing director of horseman shoes, Tonyi Seneyah challenged young youth to take advantage of opportunities to build their own businesses. The director of public affairs at the US Embassy, Sarah Stryker said the seminar series were part of efforts by the US Mission to build the capacity of businesses and entrepreneurs.