MTN Ghana, in partnership with Sanlam Alliance, an insurance company, has provided a two-day orientation and training program for over 120 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.
Participants, many of whom were young entrepreneurs from the batik, tie-dye, and cosmetics industries, were guided through fundamental business management concepts.
The training emphasized essential practices like bookkeeping, record-keeping, and data management to help them effectively track their operations.
Training Clinic:
The SMEs were divided into groups based on their business sectors, allowing them to engage in focused brainstorming sessions with industry experts.
These discussions centered on strategies to expand their businesses and ensure long-term sustainability by leveraging basic technology available through the MTN network and the internet.
Senior Sales Manager:
Speaking to the media, Mohammed Abubakar Sidick, Senior Sales Manager for MTN Ghana’s Northern Business District, explained that the Business SMEs Clinic was designed to equip participants with the skills needed to navigate today’s business challenges.
He highlighted the growing consumer demand for excellent customer service, stating that SMEs must stay current with models that help them satisfy their clientele.
Mr. Sidick noted, “We at MTN are keenly aware of the expectations customers place on their service providers, particularly SMEs. This is why, in collaboration with Sanlam Alliance, we decided to reorient the mindset and capabilities of these 120 participants”.
He added that, “We introduced them to foundational knowledge and tools so they can meet and exceed their customers’ expectations.”
Participant Feedback
Participants expressed appreciation for the training.
Dr. Victoria Opoku-Ware, an SME owner and lecturer at KNUST, praised MTN Ghana and Sanlam Alliance for the valuable program.
She shared that the sessions were “eye-opening,” particularly the insights gained on conducting background checks on potential employees.
Similarly, Mr. Sebastian Appiah, a Business Executive at Jackson University College, was impressed by the simplified approach to bookkeeping.
He stated that the training would be invaluable in helping participants accurately document their daily sales and production, providing a clear account of their business operations.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
