Take advantage of opportunities offered by new digitalisation to grow your businesses… AGI urges SMEs
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association of Ghana Industries, Mr Seth Twum Akwaboahhas called on Ghanaianbusinesses, both small and medium scale enterprises to strategically position themselves in order to benefit from the opportunities they maybe exposedto.
According to him it was important for the owners of localbusinesses to know that challenges were integral part of the business environment and work to overcome them.
“Challenges are bound to come but people who strategically position themselves always emerge victors,” he added.
Mr Akwaboa made the call at the second edition of the virtual Access Bank/Graphic Communications Group Limited SME Clinic held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.
The clinic was aimed at equipping business owners with digital solutions to enable the maximise their operations.
It was on the theme, “Championing the growth of SMEs through digitalization- Madwuma Mpontuo”.
Contributing to a panel discussion, Mr Akwaboah encouraged business owners to seek support from the appropriate quarters whenever they were faced challenges in their businesses.
On his part, the Commercial Manager of IPay, Mr Kojo Lartey who was also a panel member of the SME Clinic said access to capital was always pivotal for the success of businesses.
He noted that the future of businesses would be largely influenced by digitalisation and businesses that would want to survive and remain relevant would have to adapt to the new normal.
Mr Lartey therefore commended the Access bank for its innovative digital solutions to businesses.
MrStephen Abban, Divisional Head of Retail Bankingat Access Bank Ghana, revealed that over 90% of registered jobs in the country were SMEs, who in turn provide over 80% jobs to the people.
“Access Bank wants to champion the growth of SMEs through the provision of digital solutions to keep businesses relevant, thriving and competitive both now and in the future,” he said.He therefore advised business owners to adopt digitalization, get the right advisory services and explore new opportunities available in the sub- region.
Concluding programme, the CEO of Prof Quarm Publications and the guest speaker for the occasion, Mr Joseph Albert Quarm called on business owners to take keen interest in documentation, regular assessment of business progress and business diversification to sustain local businesses and keep them thriving.
He stressed the importance of employing digitalization for business communication and noted that virtual communication had become the standard for running businesses efficiently and at a cheaper cost.
Prof Quarm thereforepleaded with business owners to put in place succession plans to ensure business continuity when owners were no longer in active service.
By Cliff Ekuful
