Government has committed an amount of GH¢8.2 billion to boost Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
This announcement was made by the Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, during his mid-year budget review presentation to Parliament yesterday.
“Mr. Speaker, I am therefore happy to announce that on 16th July, 2024, President Akufo-Addo launched the SME Growth and Opportunity Programme (SME GO), to connect SMEs with resources, expertise, and opportunities.
“Altogether, we have mobilised about GHS8.2 billion through DBG, GhanaExim Bank, GEA and other partners for SMEs to grow and increase competitiveness in regional markets,” he said.
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam highlighted the critical role that SMEs play in the Ghanaian economy, noting that they are the backbone of economic growth, job creation, and innovation.
“SMEs are the engine of our economy, driving growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. This substantial allocation underscores our commitment to supporting these enterprises and ensuring their sustainability and growth,” he stated.
The GH¢8.2 billion fund will be directed towards several initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges faced by SMEs, including access to finance, capacity building, and market access.
Dr. Amin Adam explained that the government recognises the hurdles that SMEs encounter and is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for their success.
One of the primary components of this funding is the provision of affordable credit facilities.
Many SMEs struggle with securing financing due to high interest rates and stringent lending conditions. The government aims to alleviate these issues by working with financial institutions to offer loans at more favourable terms.
“Access to affordable credit is essential for the growth and expansion of SMEs. By providing these financial resources, we are empowering our entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses, increase productivity, and create more jobs,” Dr. Amin Adam noted.
In addition to financial support, government is also investing in capacity-building programs designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of SME owners and their employees.
These programmes will focus on areas such as financial management, marketing, and technology adoption, equipping SMEs with the tools they need to compete effectively in both local and global markets.
Market access is another critical area where the government is focusing its efforts.
Many SMEs face difficulties in reaching wider markets due to limited resources and networks.
The government plans to facilitate greater market access through initiatives that connect SMEs with larger enterprises, export opportunities, and government procurement processes.
Dr. Amin Adam emphasised the importance of a supportive ecosystem for SMEs, which includes not only financial and capacity-building support but also a conducive regulatory environment.
The government is committed to streamlining business registration processes, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and ensuring that policies are SME-friendly. “We are committed to creating a business environment that supports the growth and sustainability of SMEs.
This includes simplifying regulations and making it easier for businesses to operate and thrive,” he said.
The mid-year budget review also highlighted the broader economic context within which these initiatives are being implemented.
Despite global economic challenges, Ghana’s economy has shown resilience, with positive growth indicators and improvements in key areas such as inflation and exchange rate stability.
Dr. Amin Adam attributed these successes to prudent fiscal management and effective policy measures.
