A delegation of officials from Social Enterprise Ghana (SE Ghana) has paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Herbert Krapa, to officially introduce the business network to him.

The meeting, according to Edwin Zu-Cudjoe, the Executive Director of Social Enterprise Ghana, is part of efforts to create the relevant platform for private-public dialogues with relevant government agencies to improve the business environment for social enterprises to be resilient and sustainable amidst COVID-19.

Mr Zu-Cudjoe was grateful to the Deputy Minister and his Ministry for their support in the promotion of social enterprises in the country.

He particularly mentioned the assistance in the development of the draft Social Enterprise Policy which among other things calls for the setting up of a Ghana Social Enterprise Fund to support social enterprises, acquisition of quotas for government’s social goods procurements and training of social entrepreneurs.

These he said will generally ensure the growth of the social enterprises industry in the country.

On his part, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Herbert Krapa, said the Ministry remains committed to supporting the growth of small and growing businesses especially impact start-ups since they remain the engine for job creation and social change and are also very necessary for Ghana’s sustainable development agenda.

Hon Krapa said the Ministry under the able leadership of Honourable Alan Kyerematen is poised to hold regular dialogues with the relevant industry stakeholders and private sector organisations to forge collaborations necessary for the growth and stability of Ghanaian businesses and start-ups.

Social Enterprise Ghana is the national network of high-impact social entrepreneurs working together with stakeholders to strengthen Ghana's social enterprise ecosystem.

Among other things, the organisation advocates for business-friendly policies for social enterprises and supports them to access skills, markets and finance.