By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, Sept. 3, GNA – The Western Regional Minister, Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah has called for the use of a quota system, the density of SMEs in a particular location and population in the disbursement of Funds under the SMEs Growth and Opportunity, (SMEs GO) programme.
“We also expect the handlers of the funds to make the money available to businesses this year to commence investment, promote growth and expand employment opportunities,” Mr. Darko-Mensah said.
The Western Regional Minister at a regional sensitisation meeting on the project, also tasked the implementing Partners to be deliberate in sending the money to the Regions with serious growth potentials.
“Ghana was one of the first countries to sign the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and the first to ratify it. Therefore, there is an urgent need to harness the full potential of this agreement hence the SME Growth and Opportunity Programme,” the Minister added.
The SME Growth and Opportunity Programme provided a sustainable financing framework that scales up financial and technical support towards Ghanaian SMEs.
It is also to assist SMEs export their products and services by taking advantage of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
He said the Western Region delivered more than fifty percent (50%) of the country’s GDP and investing significant resources in the Region under the SME GO programme was a step in the right direction.
“We have established value chain platforms in all the 14 MMDAs, and close networks with the various MDAs and private stakeholders thereby creating a common platform to enhance market linkages and improve upon trade relationships among businesses in the Region.” the Minister said.
GNA