The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Yesli Ice, Rita Aku-Shika Diabah, emerged as the Overall Best SME of the Year at the MTN SMEGA Awards 2025.
She also swept three other top honours on the night — the SME Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Production Innovation Category, and Food and Beverage Category.
The award cemented her company’s reputation as one of Ghana’s most dynamic and innovative small enterprises.
The MTN SMEGA Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding Ghanaian entrepreneurs and small businesses demonstrating excellence, innovation, and resilience in the digital era.
The event, powered by MTN Ghana, brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and innovators to recognise the vital contributions of SMEs to Ghana’s economic growth and digital transformation.
India-Ghana SME collaboration strengthened
The High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Shri Manish Gupta, who was the Guest of Honour, lauded Ghana’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, innovation, and capacity development.
“Tonight, we celebrate the excellence, resilience, and indomitable spirit of Ghanaian enterprise. During my travels across the country, I have met hardworking men and women who, despite challenges, continue to build, create, and smile with optimism.
They represent the true spirit of innovation and hope,” he said.
Shri Gupta commended MTN Ghana and the event organisers for championing entrepreneurship and creating platforms that drive sustainable development.
He noted that the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ghana in July 2025 marked a new era in bilateral relations, elevating cooperation between both nations to a comprehensive partnership across trade, investment, and digital innovation.
“This partnership is among the most significant for India in West Africa. It paves the way for diversified engagement across sectors of the economy—particularly in technology, finance, and industrial growth,” he said.
He revealed that India-Ghana trade currently stands at approximately $3 billion, with plans to double it to $6 billion within five years.
He added that Indian private investors have already injected $2 billion into Ghana’s economy over the past two decades, with a further $1 billion committed through government credit and capacity-building programmes.
He also announced that India has doubled its scholarship slots for Ghanaian students under the Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) and higher education programmes, providing 500 fully funded opportunities in total.
“Our development cooperation is demand-driven and rooted in mutual trust. India is not just a partner; we are fellow travellers in Ghana’s development journey,” he said.
The High Commissioner underscored the vital role of SMEs in national development, citing India’s experience as an example.
“In India, MSMEs contribute 30% of GDP, 45% of exports, and employ 250 million people. With the right policy framework, Ghana’s SMEs can achieve the same transformation,” he added.
He also revealed ongoing discussions between India and Ghana to link India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) with Ghana’s Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GHIPSS) to enhance real-time digital transactions for businesses.
“Over 80% of India’s banking transactions occur in real time. We are ready to share this experience with Ghana to deepen financial inclusion and SME competitiveness,” he noted.
MTN reaffirms commitment to SMEs
Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Ghana, Angela Mensah-Poku, reaffirmed MTN’s unwavering commitment to empowering Ghana’s small and medium-sized enterprises through technology and partnership.
“Today, we celebrate the achievement, resilience, and hard work of our micro, small, and medium enterprises. You are the thinkers, builders, and risk-takers who keep our nation moving forward,” she said.
He highlighted that SMEs remain the backbone of Ghana’s economy, employing thousands across regions, and noted that women play a significant role in driving this growth.
“We cannot speak about national development or job creation without SMEs. In fact, 44% of all SMEs are owned by women. To these women leading change, we salute your determination and strength,” she said.
She also outlined MTN’s initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, such as MTN aYo Bima and MTN Agyapa, which provide affordable data bundles, microloans, health insurance, and business training.
“Solutions like MoMo for Business are helping entrepreneurs formalise operations, manage payments, and access finance to grow sustainably,” she added.
She stressed that collaboration remains central to Ghana’s SME growth story.
“No single company can do it alone. Progress comes from collaboration—between government, private sector, and entrepreneurs. Together, we can sustain the growth that shapes Ghana’s future,” she noted.
SMEGA Ghana strengthens global partnerships
The Head of SMEGA Ghana, Kwesi Ofori Jnr, commended MTN Ghana, sponsors, and partners for their continuous support in promoting the SME sector since the inception of the awards in 2013.
“Through this very platform, many businesses have transformed and grown into regional and global brands. We’re grateful to MTN Ghana and all partners for keeping the SME ecosystem alive and vibrant,” he said.
Kwesi Ofori Jnr revealed several new international initiatives aimed at expanding Ghanaian SMEs’ reach into foreign markets, including India, China, and parts of Europe.
He added that through the MTN partnership, SMEGA had provided digital and technical training support to more than 67 businesses, helping them scale up and access wider markets.
“We’re also grateful for new partnerships with Fidelity Bank, StarLife Insurance, and other collaborators who are helping us strengthen Ghana’s SME ecosystem.
Together, we are building a resilient and prosperous future,” he stated.
He concluded by encouraging entrepreneurs to continue innovating, collaborating, and pursuing excellence.
“Every nominee here is a winner. We’re building a journey together—opening access to markets, investment networks, and the wider One Africa trade platform,” he said.
