Speaking on behalf of MTN Ghana’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku, Senior Manager for SME Series, Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, said that the company’s partnership with SMEGA was not just about sponsorship but a “statement of purpose.” He explained that MTN aimed to enable Ghanaian businesses to grow by providing tools, connectivity, and long-term support. He noted that the awards, which returned last year after a five-year break, would recognise outstanding SMEs across 18 categories including agribusiness, manufacturing, digital technology, and trade.

He added that MTN’s SME Accelerate Programme, a year-long initiative, continued to build the capacity and competitiveness of entrepreneurs nationwide. He said that the programme had already reached over 400 SMEs through clinics in Kumasi and Ho, with plans to expand to more regions. According to him, selected participants would also benefit from a 13-week mini-MBA under the MTN Business School initiative.

In an interview, he emphasized that SMEs remained the backbone of Ghana’s economy and deserved recognition and support. He noted that MTN’s approach was inclusive, catering to both formal and informal businesses regardless of size.

Chief Executive Officer of SMEGA, Kwesi Ofori Jnr, said that the awards represented more than an event, describing it as a movement driven by innovation, resilience, and ambition. He stated that this year’s theme focused on empowering SMEs to scale beyond borders through digital solutions. He highlighted the opportunities available to winners, including mentorship, investment exposure, and international engagements.

The CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, Margaret Ansei, underscored the critical role SMEs played in national development, noting that they accounted for over 85 percent of businesses in Ghana. She acknowledged challenges such as limited access to finance and digital gaps but said  that platforms like SMEGA helped create visibility and inspire growth.

Providing insight into the selection process, SMEGA board member Daniel Nii Otokunor Sackey explained that applications were open to all businesses nationwide. He said that the entries would undergo rigorous evaluation, field assessments, and independent jury review before final winners are announced.