Set up banks to support SMEs – Government urged
The third Ghana Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Expo, an international exhibition and conference, has opened in Accra, with a call on the government to establish SME banks to support the sector.
According to a retired professor in Finance and Accountant, Prof. John Aheto, SMEs in the country have failed to expand their business and continue to face several challenges because of the inability of financial institutions to support them.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, he blamed the government “for neglecting SMEs and allowing most businesses to die as a result of lack of support.”
Prof. Aheto said since the private sector of every country thrived on the activities of small-scale businesses, there was the need for the government and financial institutions to channel some of their resources to support them.
He, however, lauded the organisers of the event for putting in place efficient mechanisms to boost the activities of SMEs in the country.
Business Sense 2013
The two-day event, dubbed, “Business Sense 2013”, is on the theme: “Empowering SMEs through Finance and Knowledge.”
Organised by OML Africa, an event management firm, the event is expected to bring together over 50 delegates made up of managing directors, business owners and entrepreneurs who would be addressed by local and international experts.
In his welcome address, the Event Director of OML Africa, Mr Paul Asinor, said the event would focus on practical strategies to assist SMEs in Ghana to succeed.
“The Business Sense 2013 exhibition, which runs alongside the conference, is a platform for over 30 registered companies to showcase their goods and services to a highly targeted audience in a professional environment,” he said.
Participating institution
The Assistant Manager in charge of Business and Development Communication at Stratcom Ghana, Ms Hanna Djamah, said the rationale behind her outfit’s participation was to have direct communication with SMEs on how to enhance their businesses, using communication.
“Stratcom Ghana has, therefore, made it their responsibility to participate in the Business Sense 2013 to educate and inform SMEs on the need to consider the services of a strong communication agency,” Ms Djamah said.