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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said government recognises the crucial role of Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) at the frontline of Ghana’s transformational agenda to drive faster economic growth.

“MSMEs must, and should be the driving forces of our economy as they are critical enablers for employment, and represent a source of wealth creation, national innovation and human empowerment,” he said.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Professor George Gyan Baffour, the Minister of Planning, during the opening session of the Second Edition of Accra Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Investment Fair 2019.

The fair, which was on the theme: “Sustainable Development Financing: Building Mutually Beneficial Partnerships,” aimed at encouraging private financing of the SDGs.

It was also an opportunity for established businesses to interact with potential investors, whilst providing a platform for start-ups to showcase their products, and attract the necessary funding required for expansion and growth.

President Akufo-Addo said the fair, “provides us with a good opportunity to review progress, and to fast-track the implementation of the global framework for financing sustainable development.”

This year, he said Ghana presented her first-ever voluntary national review to the United Nations, and “it is worth mentioning that the report is receiving global commendation.”

He also said his government was committed to developing the infrastructure and manufacturing bases to put the country on a robust footing for rapid economic take-off.

“As we move towards developing our infrastructure and strengthening our manufacturing sectors, we are guided by the fact that digitalisation will impact greatly how we produce, trade and source the needed financing to expand our industries,” he added.

He said the SDG Agenda 2030 calls for increased partnerships between governments, private sector, research institutions, academia and civil society organisations.