Telecel Ghana has successfully concluded its annual SME Month celebrations with a Business Runway event in Takoradi, marking the first time the flagship business showcase has been held outside Accra. The event, held under the theme "Connect to Growth: Unlock More," brought together over 300 established SMEs, start-ups, young entrepreneurs, financial advisers, investors, and digital enablers. The event provided a full day of training, mentorship, market exposure, and cashless commerce opportunities.
Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the company's commitment to supporting SME growth through reliable connectivity, competitive packages, and solutions that equip businesses to pursue opportunities globally. She highlighted Telecel's investment of over 500 million cedis in network expansion and reliability, ensuring that businesses in the Central and Western Regions have access to stable connectivity.
Daniel McKorley, Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies and keynote speaker at the event, emphasized that a clear business model, the right people, and technology are essential tools for SME growth. He stressed that entrepreneurship requires discipline and integrity, and that having the right elements in place can make a business much easier to grow.
Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister and Special Guest of Honour, highlighted the region's strong prospects across various sectors, including the Takoradi Port, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, and logistics. He commended Telecel Ghana for bringing the Business Runway to the Western Region, promoting inclusivity and opening opportunities across the SME ecosystem.
The Business Runway featured an interactive panel session with industry experts, including Panyin Osei-Barnieh, General Manager of Chemsolv; Rebecca Odro, Managing Director of Akroma Plaza; Dr Clement Ansah of Consolidated Bank Ghana; and Eric Amo Jone, Senior Revenue Officer at the Ghana Revenue Authority. The panellists shared practical insights on entrepreneurship, funding, and tax compliance.
Other highlights of the event included an SME product exhibition and Creatorthon, a masterclass on digital visibility and business growth. The 2026 SME Month builds on previous editions that focused on capacity building, women's and youth entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence training, and business showcases.
The event demonstrates Telecel Ghana's commitment to supporting SMEs and promoting economic growth in the region. The company's efforts aim to provide opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed, ultimately contributing to the country's economic development.
Key points
- Telecel Ghana invested over 500 million cedis in network expansion and reliability to ensure stable connectivity for businesses in the Central and Western Regions.
- The Business Runway event in Takoradi brought together over 300 SMEs, start-ups, and entrepreneurs for training, mentorship, and market exposure.
- The event featured an interactive panel session with industry experts who shared insights on entrepreneurship, funding, and tax compliance.
