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Yesli Ice CEO Wins Big As MTN's SMEGA Awards Celebrate Ghanaian Entrepreneurship

 


MTN Ghana reaffirmed its deep commitment to supporting Ghana’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), driving their growth through innovation, digital empowerment, and strategic partnerships at the 2025 SMEGA Awards ceremony in Accra.

The MTN SMEGA Awards is a leading annual initiative that celebrates Ghanaian SMEs demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and resilience in driving socio-economic growth. As a platform, it has empowered hundreds of businesses by providing mentorship, crucial visibility, and access to essential digital and financial resources.

As the headline sponsor, MTN joined a distinguished gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the vital role SMEs play as Ghana’s economic engine and primary job creators.

Speaking at the ceremony, Angela Mensah-Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Ghana, commended Ghanaian entrepreneurs for their creativity and tenacity.

This evening is both a celebration of achievement and a tribute to the people who run Ghana’s economy. SMEs contribute over 70% of Ghana’s GDP and employ millions across every region. MTN is committed to providing MSMEs with the digital tools and commercial ecosystem needed to compete and grow beyond Ghana’s borders. We believe that when we empower SMEs, we empower Ghana’s future.”

Mensah-Poku highlighted MTN’s ongoing, dedicated initiatives to accelerate SME growth, including MTN Adwumapa, MoMo for Business, the SME Accelerator Programme, and SME Business Clinics. According to her, these programmes are all designed to equip enterprises with robust digital tools, financial inclusion, and comprehensive business development support.

Shri Manish Gupta, India’s High Commissioner to Ghana and the special guest of honour, praised Ghana’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in trade, technology, and capacity development, announcing ambitious plans to double India-Ghana trade from USD 3 billion to USD 6 billion within five years.

Kwesi Ofori Jnr, Head of SMEGA Ghana, expressed gratitude to MTN Ghana, sponsors, and partners for their consistent support. “Through this platform, many businesses have grown into regional and global brands. Together, we are building a stronger and more prosperous SME future.” He confirmed that more than 67 SMEs have benefited from digital and technical training through MTN’s partnership and announced new initiatives to expand Ghanaian SMEs’ presence in markets across India, China, and Europe.

The highlight of the night was the recognition of Rita Aku-Shika Diabah, Chief Executive Officer of Yesli Ice, who was named Overall Best SME of the Year. Underscoring Yesli Ice’s excellence and innovation, Diabah also secured three additional awards: SME Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Production Innovation, and Food and Beverage categories.

In total, 21 other SMEs from across various industries were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to business innovation and growth at the 2025 SMEGA Awards.

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