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President launches GH¢600m COVID-19 Alleviation Programme today
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will today launch a GH¢600 million Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) business support scheme intended to support small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The fund is intended to provide relief to SMEs across the country that has been negatively affected by the disease.
In his fifth televised address to the nation, the President announced that government has partnered with the private sector to introduce a scheme in support of SMEs which were facing challenges owing to COVID-19.
“Government, in collaboration with the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), Business & Trade Associations and selected Commercial and Rural Banks, will roll out a soft loan scheme up to a total of GH¢600 million, which will have a one-year moratorium and two-year repayment period for micro, small and medium scale businesses,” he stated.
Executive Director of NBSSI, Esi Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey, earlier stated that the Board has developed an online portal to enable SMEs across the country access the GH¢600 million stimulus packages for businesses.
She said the portal was to ensure transparency and efficiency in disbursement of the package to applicants.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, she explained that the board was in discussions with concerned stakeholders to come up with eligibility criteria to ensure that viable businesses which were in need were supported.
She stated that more than 200,000 businesses would be supported under the coronavirus (COVID-19) stimulus package for SMEs adding that the NBSSI was further engaging traders and business owners to sensitise them on the package and how they could access it.
Applications from businesses, Madam Yankey, noted, would be processed through the portal, which was yet to be launched.
The Executive Director is expected to announce modalities for disbursement of the Scheme, and invited SMEs who require technical support, and not just financial support to reach out as well to the board.
Several platforms including nbssi.gov.gh/capsupport; mobile number platform (USSD) *718*555#; Call Centre Helpline: 030 274 7777, email address capsupport@nbssi.gov.gh have been made available to ensure access.
The SMEs sector, according to the University of Ghana study in 2015, contribute about 70 per cent to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and account for about 92 per cent of businesses in the country.
BY CLAUDE NYARKO ADAMS
Accra’s creative industry is preparing for one of the most ambitious film projects in recent Ghanaian cinema as award winning filmmaker Big Ghun and acclaimed media personality and producer Doreen Avio officially open auditions for their upcoming feature film, Scarlett Unveiled.
The highly anticipated auditions will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM at MCB Studios, Lapaz Tabora, with actors of all ages invited to participate.
Presented by PB Studios Africa, Scarlett Unveiled is a bold and emotionally charged Ghanaian creative project.
The project is expected to resonate strongly with young audiences in Ghana and across the diaspora..
The production is being developed in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana, which is supporting the project’s executive launch.
Renowned textile brand Woodin has also come on board as the official clothing partner, while MCB Studios is serving as a support partner for the audition process.
According to Big Ghun, known for directing internationally recognized projects such as Koro (One), Leaked, and Vibes the Movie, Scarlett Unveiled is designed to become a landmark cultural production that will travel from cinema screens to schools and global platforms.
Producer Doreen Avio, one of Ghana’s most respected media personalities and event hosts, says the project aims to discover both established and emerging actors who can bring authenticity and emotional depth to the story.
She added that “This is more than an audition,” the producers say. “It is an opportunity for talented individuals to become part of a one of a kind Ghanaian story with the potential to inspire audiences around the world.”
Interested participants are encouraged to come with a passport sized photograph and be prepared to showcase their talent and confidence before the casting team.
With an award winning creative team, respected institutional partners, and a story rooted in truth and transformation, Scarlett Unveiled is shaping up to be one of Ghana’s most significant cinematic undertakings in the coming year.
Parliament has confirmed that the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, has been detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Parliament said the incident had been brought to the attention of the House leadership.
According to the statement, the Speaker of Parliament and the leadership of the House are currently in contact with Ghana’s Mission in The Hague to gather detailed information about the matter.
Parliament, however, did not disclose the reasons behind the MP’s detention.
“The public will be duly informed appropriately on this matter,” the statement added.
By: Jacob Aggrey
