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President launches GH¢1bn COVID-19 support fund…for MSMEs affected by pandemic
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has launched a GH¢1 billion COVID-19 Alleviation Business Support Programme to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The amount is expected to support businesses in areas such as agriculture and agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, education, food and beverages, technology, transportation, commerce, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and textile and garments.
Additionally, MSMEs which need expansion to meet the growing demand for COVID-19 related goods and services can also apply, President Akufo-Addo said at a ceremony to launch the scheme at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday.
He said from today to June 20, self employed, sole proprietorship, limited liability partnerships and joint venture businesses with more than 99 employees can begin the application processes for support.
The President said business applicants must also belong to a trade association or group and be registered with the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI).
To apply, applicants must visit the NBSSI website or visit any of the 170 business advisory offices throughout the country to pick application forms to begin the process, he said.
President Akufo-Addo indicated that the business support programme is expected to help minimise job losses in the wake of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Out of GH¢1.2 billion earmarked for the programme, he said GH¢600 will be disbursed as soft loans to MSMEs with one year moratorium and two years repayment. The rate of interest on the loans is three per cent
Furthermore, the President said the selected participating banks will provide negotiated counterpart funding to the tune of GH¢ 400 million.
President Akufo-Addo said the scheme is expected to reach 180 beneficiaries across the country.
President Akufo-Addo was however optimistic that the Ghanaian economy will bounce back stronger than it was before COVID-19.
He said his administration is committed to helping businesses to get on their feet again and contribute to the growth of the Ghanaian economy.
He pointed out that the government has secured a US$1 billion facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support the growth of the economy.
Additionally, he said the Bank of Ghana has earmarked an amount of GH¢10 billion as investment commitment to support the economy to resist the adverse effects of the COVID-19.
President Akufo-Addo said aside the GH¢1billion facility for MSMEs, the government will make available a GH¢3 billion credit and stimulus package to help boost businesses.
He said the Finance Minister has been tasked to continue finding more resources to support as many businesses as possible to ensure that the country bounce back stronger post COVID-19
The President noted that the pandemic has had a devastating impact of all economies around the world including the Ghanaian economy.
In Ghana, he said the pandemic has reduced productivity, job losses, and affected the revenue of government, businesses and households.
However, the President believes that the country’s economy will bounce back much stronger than it has ever been, post COVID-19.
BY YAW KYEI
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
