EfD Ghana research fellow Daniel Twerefou is spearheading an innovative project to develop training modules aimed at equipping Ghana’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the tools needed to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. This initiative is commissioned by the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) and developed in collaboration with the University of Ghana. It delivers practical strategies designed to promote environmental sustainability and long-term business resilience. The project is funded by the Ghana Skills Development Fund.
“Sustainable practices are essential to ensuring the lasting resilience of local businesses. By advancing sustainable practices, this project contributes to a more sustainable environment and thriving MSMEs, which, as we know, are crucial for creating jobs and driving economic development,” said Daniel Twerefou.
As part of the initiative, Daniel Twerefou hosted GNCCI’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Badu Aboagye, and other senior GNCCI officials in a stakeholder workshop held on October 22, 2024, at Mensvic Hotel in Accra. The session served, according to Daniel Twerefou, as an invaluable platform for exchanging insights and refining the training modules to ensure they are practical, impactful, and suited to the needs of Ghana’s MSMEs.
A key focus of the workshop was the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) module, designed to equip MSMEs with knowledge and tools to implement eco-friendly practices, enhance transparency through ESG reporting, and attract investment by demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
The training modules—covering Financial Management, Risk Management, Trade in Contemporary Times, Corporate Governance, Business Management, Effective Pricing Strategy, and Effective Marketing—offer MSMEs a robust suite of skills to boost resilience, improve operational practices, and mitigate risks that often lead to business failure.
“Without a thriving environment, businesses can hardly thrive,” noted Daniel Twerefou, emphasizing the importance of integrating environmental consciousness and sustainable practices into MSME training.
Once finalized, the modules will be implemented by GNCCI as part of its ongoing support for its Member MSME organizations, enabling them to adopt sustainable practices and reinforce their role as drivers of sustainable development.
Daniel Twerefou’s leadership in this project underscores EfD Ghana’s commitment to collaboration, ensuring that research insights reach beyond policy circles to create tangible benefits for businesses and society alike.
By: Vicentia Quartey