The programmes, which were attended by several SME business owners, were on the theme: “Managing SME Business in difficult times.”

The Head of Commercial Banking at the Bank, Frederick Adomako-Ansah, speaking at the event, said the training was to build the capacities of SME businesses for executing appropriate strategies to help them navigate through the current economic difficulties.

Critical role

He underscored the critical role played by SMEs in the country’s economic development and the need for stakeholders to create a sustained enabling environment to help businesses thrive.

Other speakers at the seminar were a Senior Lecturer, University of Ghana Business School, Professor Godfred Bokpin, the Head, Digital Transformation Department, Leopold Armah, and the Head of Credit Appraisal Department, Joseph Baah.

Professor Bokpin, speaking on the topic: “Leveraging the Lessons from COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine, and Current Economic Challenges for Business Growth in Ghana,” entreated SMEs to look out for and take full advantage of business opportunities which were always available but difficult to identify during challenging economic times.

The Head of the Bank’s Digital Transformation Department, Mr Armah, took participants through the digital ecosystem and showcased key digital products specifically tailored to provide greater efficiency for business operations.

The Head of the Credit Appraisal Department of the Bank, Mr Baah, took participants through the topic “Effective credit facility and working capital management,” and advised on how to manage and leverage credit facilities to support business development and growth.

The programme also gave participants the opportunity to interact with senior management of the bank and to provide useful feedback on the bank’s products and services.