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