CEO of Ghana Enterprises Agency, Margaret Ansei
The CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Margaret Ansei, has emphasised the importance of strategic business development over mere access to capital for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana.
Responding to widespread concerns from SMEs about funding challenges, Ansei, in an interview with GhanaWeb Business, stressed that financial constraints are often the result of deeper operational inefficiencies.
She noted that the agency supports budding entrepreneurs, including those turning hobbies into viable businesses, with more than just grants.
“Sometimes finance is not the cause; it might be the effect. GEA teaches companies and organisations how to minimize waste, that is Kaizen. You minimize waste, then you maximize productivity. If you are able to do that, it is not necessarily about capital. Sometimes, when you have a hobby you want to turn into a business, GEA assists with grants to help you, but not just by giving you money. We train you, and when we start with you, we stay with you,” she said.
“We will follow you until you grow to the end,” Ansei added, highlighting GEA’s commitment to long-term mentorship, coaching, and monitoring.
Ansei further expressed optimism for the future of Ghanaian SMEs, citing GEA’s core mandate of promoting and developing SMEs across the country.
“The future of SMEs is the mandate of GEA, to promote and develop SMEs in Ghana. The vision is about President Mahama’s apprenticeship initiatives, women’s development programs, growing businesses, growing home-grown businesses, and supporting Ghanaian-led businesses. That’s the vision. The present vision is our vision,” she added.
SP/MA
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