MTN Ghana Launches SME Accelerate To Boost SME Growth
MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the launch of “MTN SME Accelerate.” This year-long initiative, themed “Business Done Smarter, Faster, and Better,” aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs. During the launch, Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, stated, “MTN is deeply invested in empowering SMEs. We understand the vital role they play in driving economic growth and job creation throughout Africa.” He emphasized the need for essential tools, resources, and support for these businesses to thrive in the digital age. Angela Mensah Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN, highlighted that SMEs encounter several challenges, including digitization, access to credit, and a lack of capacity. She emphasized MTN’s commitment to extending the SME initiative from a month-long program to a year-long initiative. This change aims to ensure sustained engagement with the sector to ensure successful outcomes. As part of its support for women in the SME sector, the launch also introduced the “MTN Adwumapa Bundle,” a package designed specifically for women-led SMEs. This special bundle, one of many specialized offerings available throughout the year, aims to facilitate network connections and provide exclusive access to market opportunities, including SME fairs and pop-up shops. In her address, Ms. Margaret Ansei, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), shared her agency’s plan to deepen the integration of technology into the operations of SMEs. She commended MTN for this initiative and expressed GEA’s commitment to partnering with MTN Business to grow SMEs and support Ghana’s economic development. Under the “MTN Accelerate” initiative, MTN Ghana will roll out various programs aimed at empowering Ghanaian SMEs to expand and operate sustainably. Planned initiatives include expanded market activations and capacity-building sessions for SMEs in both formal and informal sectors. Additionally, there will be leadership trainings specifically for women in business. The initiative will culminate at the end of the year with an awards event called the MTN SME GROW AFRICA Awards (SMEGA Awards), which will recognize and assess the performance of SMEs over the year. Attendees at the event included the Bulgarian Consul to Ghana, H.E. Nico van Staalduinen; H.E. Jean Claude Galea Mallia, Ambassador of Malta to Ghana; Her Royal Majesty Nana Esi Ninsin VIII, Queen Mother of Ekumfi; Dr. Joe Tackie, Board Chair of SME GrowAfrica & AfCFTA Policy Network; Madam Saalai Manikam, SMEGA Board Member; and Charles Polet from OneAfrica. MTN Business is focused on delivering innovative telecommunications solutions, tailored to the evolving needs of businesses. Some services for SMEs include: The Yello Biz service, MTN Business Messenger, SME Plus, Business Manager, Microsoft 365 suite and Business Website. Customers can engage MTN on any of these platforms toll free 100, call 0244308111, email at mtnbusiness.gh@mtn.com. Visit: mtn.com.gh/business or any MTN Office for your Yello Biz and stay connected everywhere you go. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government’s Stance on Mining in Forest Areas Sparks Controversy
Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has assured Ghanaians that concerns surrounding the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) permitting mining in forest areas will be addressed through the amendment of the Minerals and Mining Act 2003. Apexnewsgh reports According to Dr. Muhammed, this move demonstrates the Mahama administration’s commitment to listening to the concerns of its citizens. We are beginning the process of amending the Minerals and Mining Act 2003 to bar individuals from mining in forest areas,” Dr. Muhammed stated on TV3’s Key Points program. He emphasized that this process would satisfy issues around the L.I, showcasing the government’s willingness to listen and respond to public concerns. However, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has criticized the government’s stance, urging President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his promise to revoke the L.I entirely. Dr. Ashigbey argued that the particular L.I is “bad and should go,” questioning why the president has been able to remove the E-levy but seems hesitant to revoke the L.I for mining in forest areas. Dr. Ashigbey’s sentiments were echoed in his statement, “How come the president who said he is going to revoke L.I, is now saying that we should amend, that is a blot.” This criticism highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the government’s approach to addressing galamsey and environmental concerns in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NLA Staff Demand Government Intervention Over Alleged Private Capture
The staff of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) are sounding the alarm, urging the government to intervene in what they describe as a “deliberate private capture” of the state-owned lottery business. Apexnewsgh reports Through their union, the Financial and Business Services Employees Union (FBSEU of NLA), they have petitioned the Office of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, as well as the newly appointed Director General of the NLA. At the heart of the issue are questionable third-party contracts and licenses granted to Private Lotto Operators (PLOs) over the last six years. The union claims these agreements contravene the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722), and have led to financial distress and operational inefficiency within the NLA. Key companies cited in the petition include KEED Ghana Limited (KGL), Bluestar Lotto, Alpha Lotto, and Luma Technologies. The NLA’s revenue has taken a significant hit, particularly from its Point of Sale Terminals (POSTs), since the entry of PLOs. The union estimates a staggering market share loss of nearly 50% to online platforms and PLOs, resulting in over GH₵250 million in revenue shortfalls between 2017 and 2024. This decline has had a ripple effect, triggering widespread job losses among Lotto Marketing Companies (LMCs) that traditionally supported NLA’s operations. KGL, operators of the NLA’s 5/90 games online, is at the center of the controversy. The union accuses KGL of operating outside its defined role as a Lotto Marketing Company, including keeping lottery proceeds in private accounts, paying winnings independently, and withholding critical revenue data from the NLA. Furthermore, the union reveals that the previous NLA Board granted KGL an exclusive 25-year license to operate online lotto, a decision they deem damaging to the Authority’s independence and viability. The union is demanding swift action from the government, including the reconstitution of a new Governing Board with individuals possessing institutional memory. They warn that unless their demands are met, the NLA risks total collapse. In a bold statement, the union asserts that they “will stop at nothing” to ensure the sustainability of the NLA for national development and staff welfare, including staging protests or halting lotto draws if necessary [No search results were used for answering the question.
COPEC Calls for Reversal of Utility Tariff Hikes
The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, is urging the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to reverse its decision to increase utility tariffs. Apexnewsgh reports The PURC recently announced a 14.75% upward adjustment in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% increase in water tariffs for all consumers. According to Amoah, these hikes are unjustifiable and unreasonable, especially given the Electricity Company’s (ECG) accountability issues. Amoah cited the ECG’s unaccounted-for containers, valued at hundreds of millions of Cedis, as a major concern. “We have almost 2,000 containers unaccounted for… Then, we turn back and claim we don’t have money, hence being unable to sustain operations. Therefore, we are raising tariffs. This doesn’t add up,” he stated. he believes that PURC needs to reconsider its decision in light of these accountability issues. If the government fails to rescind the decision, industry players will fiercely resist the hikes, according to Amoah. “Coming back to the consumer to insist we pay more, I can assure will be resisted fiercely.” COPEC has previously advocated for consumer protection, pushing for a cap on fuel price increments by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to balance price floors and ceilings. The PURC attributed the tariff adjustments to factors such as the exchange rate between the Ghana cedi and US dollar, inflation projections, fuel costs (particularly natural gas), and the current hydro-thermal generation mix. However, Amoah’s concerns highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the utility sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government to Empower Peasant Farmers with $1m
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced a significant initiative to boost vegetable production in Northern Ghana. As part of the Feed Ghana Project, the government will disburse $1 million to support over 1,500 peasant farmers in the region. Apexnewsgh reports This move aims to empower grassroots farmers who are already engaged in tomato and other vegetable cultivation but lack the financial capacity to scale up their operations. Minister Opoku emphasized that the government’s priority is to provide direct financial support to these farmers, enabling them to access the necessary logistics and resources to enhance their productivity. The funding will be formalized on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and the Apex Bank. In addition to financial support, the government will provide technical assistance to farmers, including improved seeds and farming inputs. This will ensure higher productivity and year-round cultivation, ultimately contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector. According to Minister Opoku, the technical team has developed best-quality farming solutions, and the government is committed to supplying these to farmers. This initiative marks a significant step towards empowering peasant farmers in Northern Ghana and enhancing the country’s agricultural sector. As Minister Opoku noted, “This is just the beginning,” indicating the government’s commitment to further supporting farmers and promoting agricultural development in the region [No search results were used for answering the question. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
TDC Reverses Appointments and Promotions Amidst Reform Efforts
The Tema Development Company Limited (TDC) has reversed some appointments and promotions made by the previous management, following instructions from the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Julius Debrah. Apexnewsgh reports According to Managing Director Courage Makafui Nunekpeku, these appointments and promotions lacked merit-based justification and were influenced by personal relationships rather than company policies and labor laws. Nunekpeku emphasized the need to establish proper structures and ensure that positions are filled by deserving individuals. To achieve this, the management has begun advertising vacancies and conducting interviews to fill affected positions. The goal is to create a more inclusive and merit-based system, rather than one driven by personal connections. The TDC is working to transform its operations, with a focus on delivering key projects. One such project is the Kpone Affordable Housing initiative, which was previously awarded to contractors but has been cancelled due to unspecified reasons. The TDC has engaged with contractors, and some have resumed work. Upon completion, the project is expected to deliver 800 flats. Nunekpeku also highlighted the dilapidated state of the TDC Club House, describing it as abandoned and structurally compromised. Furthermore, he disclosed that TDC’s commercial lands are nearly depleted, with almost every plot sold out. The TDC is committed to auditing land sales and ensuring accountability for managing directors overseeing these transactions. Despite ongoing investigations, Nunekpeku assured that the core business operations of TDC will not be disrupted. The management team is focused on implementing reforms and transforming the organization, with plans to deliver significant improvements in the coming years. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
IGP Clarifies Comments on Police Recruitment for Bawku Youth
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, addressed recent statements attributed to him concerning police recruitment aimed at the youth of Bawku, a town currently facing conflict in the Upper East Region. Apexnewsgh reports During his visit to Bawku, the IGP promised residents that the upcoming recruitment exercises would be inclusive, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to participate. However, several media outlets reported that he had indicated a “priority” recruitment for Bawku’s youth—a claim he firmly stated misrepresented his intent. “Let me clarify,” the IGP asserted. “We never said that recruitment would be exclusive to the youth of Bawku. What we communicated was that they would go through the regular recruitment process just like other qualified young people across Ghana.” He stressed that the recruitment into the police services would follow a decentralized approach, allowing eligible youth from all corners of the nation, including remote areas like Bawku, to take part without the need to travel to major cities such as Accra. “This strategy is designed to ensure equal access and fairness in our recruitment process,” he elaborated. “This is not a special recruitment initiative for any specific group; it represents a national drive toward inclusivity.” In addition to addressing the recruitment issue, the IGP reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s dedication to restoring peace in Bawku and building trust within the community. He encouraged residents to voice any grievances or issues they might encounter with the police so that these can be promptly addressed. “We are here to collaborate with you,” he said earnestly. “If there are any concerns, we are eager to correct them. Together, let’s work towards a future of peace and understanding.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Utility Tariffs Hike Sparks Criticism
A private legal practitioner named Kow Essuman found himself at the forefront of a growing concern that weighed heavily on the minds of many residents. Apexnewsgh reports As a devoted member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Essuman had always advocated for the welfare of the community, so when news broke about the government’s decision to raise water and electricity tariffs by 14.75%, he felt a surge of indignation. Gathering his thoughts, Essuman spoke out, highlighting how this increase significantly outpaced the mere 10% hike in public sector salaries. “This utility price spike is not just a number on a bill,” he insisted. “It’s 4.75% more than the salary increment. It feels like the government is giving with one hand and taking away with both hands. No mercy… please budget accordingly.” His criticism echoed throughout the town, igniting conversations about the challenges that everyday citizens faced. Many shared his sentiments, concerned that their hard-earned wages would soon fall short. With the economic strain looming, hope was dwindling. Meanwhile, at the heart of the government’s decision sat the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). They aimed to clarify the reasoning behind the tariff adjustments through their Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism. This process involved careful deliberation of several key factors, including the ever-shifting Cedi/Dollar exchange rate, inflation trends, and fluctuating fuel costs. Their commitment was to ensure that utility companies could reliably supply electricity and water without interruptions. Among the influential variables considered was an average exchange rate of GHS 15.6974 to USD. The last quarter had shown an under-recovery of GHS 0.1700, prompting changes that were deemed necessary. Additionally, with inflation projected at an average rate of 22.49% for the upcoming second quarter of 2025, it was a complex puzzle to navigate. Also noted were the fuel costs—though slightly lower than the previous year, determining the Weighted Average Cost of Gas remained a crucial element in the calculations. Finally, there was the pressing matter of outstanding revenue. The tariff changes aimed to address half of the lingering revenue issues that had accumulated over the previous quarters, seeking to strike a balance between operational sustainability and consumer affordability. Back in the town, Kow Essuman articulated the community’s fears, stressing that the newly implemented salary increments had yet to reflect in public sector paychecks. This delay only intensified the struggles faced by families already managing tight budgets. As he spoke passionately in town hall meetings, he reminded his listeners that their voices mattered, urging them to advocate for a future where essential services would remain accessible. As the sun set over the town, casting long shadows on the streets, the conversations continued, fueled by a mix of hope and concern. The outcome of this tariff hike and the ensuing discussions would shape their lives in the coming months, and together, they would navigate the challenges ahead. Source: Apexnewsgh.com