A former National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem North Constituency in Ghana’s Eastern Region, Sammi Awuku, has been appointed Vice President of SME Global, overseeing Africa.

The appointment was confirmed in a letter dated March 10, 2025, and signed by Lilia Heitz, Secretary-General of SME Global within the International Democracy Union (IDU).

The letter reads, in part:

“On behalf of the Executive Office of SME Global, I am pleased to formally confirm your appointment as Vice President of SME Global of the IDU. We are confident that your contributions will be instrumental in advancing our mission and driving impactful initiatives. We appreciate your commitment to this responsibility and look forward to collaborating on strengthening the global SME landscape. Congratulations and welcome to SME Global.”

SME Global, the trade and economic arm of the IDU, is a prominent, centre-right network focused on promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups worldwide.

The organization unites policymakers from IDU member parties and business leaders globally, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and policy advocacy.

SME Global champions low taxation, economic responsibility, and individual liberty within a socially-oriented market economy.

Committed to empowering SMEs and entrepreneurs, SME Global develops practical solutions to modern business challenges and ensures that SME issues remain central in global policy discussions.

The organization plays a vital role in shaping SME-friendly policies, removing bureaucratic obstacles, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth.

As Vice President for Africa, Sammi Awuku will spearhead initiatives to support SMEs across the continent, advocate for regulatory reforms, and elevate the role of small businesses in political and economic transformation.

His appointment signals a strengthened commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring SMEs continue to thrive in the rapidly changing global business environment.

Jörgen Warborn, MEP, President, SME Global Coordinator of the International Trade Committee for European People’s Party (EPP) Group, Sweden

Awuku will collaborate with several key board members of SME Global, including Jörgen Warborn, MEP, President and SME Global Coordinator for the International Trade Committee of the European People’s Party (EPP) Group, Sweden; Randy Hoback, MP, Vice-President and Member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, Canada; Hon. Todd McClay, MP, Vice-President and Minister for Trade and Agriculture, New Zealand; Kevin Hollinrake, MP, Vice-President and Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, United Kingdom; and Germana Figueroa Casas, MP, Vice-President and Member of the Chamber of Deputies, Argentina.

Randy Hoback, MP,Vice-President, SME Global Member of Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, Canada