More than 120 small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Kumasi have benefited from a business clinic designed to enhance their digital marketing skills and improve their global competitiveness.

The event by MTN Ghana forms part of a year-long SME Accelerate Programme to empower over 600 local businesses across the country to boost Ghana’s economy.

SMEs remain the backbone of Ghana’s economy, contributing about 70% to GDP and creating nearly 85% of jobs nationwide.

MTN Ghana organized its fourth SME Business Clinic of the year, bringing together more than 120 small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Ashanti region.

The initiative forms part of the company’s SME Accelerate Programme, aimed at building the capacity of businesses and enhancing their competitiveness on the global market.

Senior Manager for SME at MTN Ghana, Mohammed Abubakari-Sidic, says the clinic is designed to address the critical challenges SMEs face, including financial management, digital adoption, networking, and access to partnerships.

“We call it a clinic because we believe SMEs in Ghana encounter unique challenges that need practical solutions. Through this programme, we are equipping them with digital tools, financial management resources, and insurance packages to help them scale their businesses and compete globally,” he explained.

The SME Business Clinic has already been held in three other regions, with MTN targeting at least 600 SMEs nationwide by the end of the year.

Participating businesses are introduced to solutions such as Yellow Bees, a digital package that combines connectivity, website development, Microsoft 365, and a soft-phone service to help SMEs improve communication and online visibility.

A key concern raised during the programme was the lack of web presence among many Ghanaian SMEs, which hinders their ability to access international markets and funding.

Mr. Abubakari-Sidic explained that donors and potential partners often assess credibility by checking a company’s website, but many local businesses are absent online. “The Yellow Bees solution is designed to close that gap,” he noted.

MTN is also working with strategic partners including Sanlam Alliance and StarLife Assurance to provide insurance solutions to protect businesses from risks such as fire and loss.

The telecommunication company is also collaborating with other partners like CIGA Africa to open market opportunities for Ghanaian businesses both locally and abroad.

MTN believes that empowering SMEs through digital tools, insurance, and business development will not only strengthen enterprises but also drive national economic growth.

Participants praised the initiative for being practical and results-oriented.

Mr Sebastian Appiah, a Business Development Executive, said unlike other training programmes that are mainly theoretical, the clinic uses real case studies.

“It touched on financial management, documentation, and customer service gaps. These are real issues SMEs are facing daily, and the solutions provided were very helpful,” he said.

Another participant, Dr. Victoria Mensah Nyamadi, said the clinic highlighted the importance of adopting best practices even at the early stages of business.

“This programme has taught us that no matter how small your business is, you must do things right. Record keeping, formal recruitment processes, and accountability are key to growth,” she stressed.

She also emphasized that government’s support remains important to sustaining the growth of SMEs.

“There have been policies to support small businesses, but sometimes they don’t reach the grassroots. If agencies like the Youth Employment Agency intensify such interventions, it will help many entrepreneurs at the community level,” she added.

The next SME Business Clinic is expected to take place in Accra, as MTN continues to roll out its Accelerate Programme and prepare Ghanaian businesses for global opportunities.