The Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), backed by German Cooperation, has initiated training for 109 Ghanaian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as part of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) initiative. This training is designed to boost productivity and resource efficiency among SMEs, ultimately fostering job creation and enhancing workplace conditions. Now in its fourth phase, the programme has consistently delivered substantial benefits to Ghana’s SME sector.
Launched in 2021 through a partnership between GIZ Ghana’s Invest for Jobs Programme and MDPI, the SCORE training has progressed through three successful phases, benefiting 436 SMEs in 2022 and 2023. Due to its proven effectiveness and growing interest from Ghanaian SMEs, the programme has expanded into its fourth phase. This latest iteration includes 109 new SMEs, with 103 from previously covered regions such as Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Western, Ashanti, Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Northern, and Savannah. For the first time, six SMEs from the Volta Region have also been incorporated.
The SCORE programme is a global initiative focused on improving workplace organization, collaboration, and safety while encouraging resource-efficient and environmentally friendly production practices. It blends classroom training with on-site consulting, showcasing international best practices in manufacturing and service industries. This dual approach drives business growth, job creation, and broader economic development.
During the official launch of SCORE Phase IV, Eunice Agyepong, Head of Component for Invest for Jobs at GIZ Ghana, spoke on behalf of Team Leader John Duti. She emphasized the programme’s alignment with Ghana’s shift toward a greener economy. “As we move toward a green economic transformation, SCORE equips SMEs with the tools to improve resource efficiency, adopt cleaner production methods, and contribute to a more sustainable Ghana,” she stated.
Agyepong also highlighted the programme’s alignment with the principles of a ‘Just Transition,’ which seeks to create decent jobs while advancing social inclusion, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. She expressed confidence that the training would empower SMEs to increase productivity, create quality jobs, and improve working conditions. “The programme’s focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility is crucial for SMEs to remain competitive in today’s dynamic business environment,” she added.
Bernice Adjei, Director General of MDPI, reiterated the commitment of all partners to strengthening the SME sector and driving economic growth. “We are excited to continue collaborating with the ILO, German Cooperation, and other stakeholders to create meaningful change for Ghanaians,” she said.
Gideon Kwasi Twum, General Manager of Baamimo Enterprise and a beneficiary of the programme, praised the training for its transformative impact. “The programme has helped us organize our operations more effectively, leading to higher productivity and better revenue generation,” he shared.
The launch event saw participation from representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Jobs, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industries, the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), trade unions, SCORE Implementing Partners (IPs), and selected enterprises.
The SCORE training programme is implemented by MDPI, a subvented agency under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It operates within the framework of the Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition” under the Invest for Jobs brand.