Small and medium-sized enterprises in Sunyani have been warned by MTN Ghana not to share their personal identification numbers or respond to suspicious messages amid rising digital fraud risks. Eric Antwi, Regional Sales Manager for MTN Business, Northern Business Unit, told entrepreneurs during an SME Capacity Building Programme that digital security begins with the individual user.
“Your PIN is your unique identity. You need not disclose your PIN,” Antwi said. He cautioned against fraudsters who send unsolicited codes or messages asking recipients to enter them into their phones. “Do not involve yourself in any cartel that says, ‘I have sent you a code; just include the code in your phone.’ Security starts with you.”
Antwi’s remarks came during a training session organised by MTN in partnership with Graphic Business, aimed at equipping small business owners with digital tools and practical skills. The initiative focused on helping SME owners protect their mobile financial accounts as they increasingly adopt digital platforms for transactions, savings, and loans.
MTN Business introduced participants to digital solutions like Adwumapa, a service targeted at women entrepreneurs, and YellowBiz, which helps SMEs create online presences through websites. These tools are designed to support business operations and competitiveness in a digital economy.
During the programme, MTN identified five SMEs for further assistance. These businesses will receive additional financial literacy training, coaching, and mentorship. “SMEs need more coaching, more footwork, and more hand-holding,” Antwi said. “Knowledge is one of the most valuable resources that could help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.”
Participants credited the training with equipping them to handle digital payments and customer relations more effectively. Ruth Afari Boakye, founder of Black Girl Natural Ventures, a natural hair-care products company, said she learned how to use mobile money platforms like MoMo to grow her business. “Most payments are digital, and MoMo is everywhere,” she said. “I’ve also learnt how to handle difficult people, especially customers and workers.”
Margaret Bansah, chief executive of Marjjbans Enterprise, which produces BansNaturals Skin and Hair Care Products, said understanding different temperaments, including those of Gen Z workers, would help build stronger teams. “We need them and their ideas in growing our businesses,” she said. “It will be a collective effort from each team member to build the growing business that we want.”
Benjamin Tsatsu Korsinah, Senior Zonal Business Manager for Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, and the Northern Regions at Graphic Communications Group Limited, said the initiative is expected to lead to tangible business growth. He added that the project is designed to go beyond training, helping SMEs integrate digital tools into their businesses and unlock new opportunities.
For MTN and Graphic Communications Group, supporting SMEs also means expanding opportunities for advertising and media services that sustain business development.
The warning about digital fraud comes amid wider concerns about cybercrime targeting mobile money users in Ghana. MTN’s call for personal responsibility in securing digital accounts reflects growing risks as more businesses rely on mobile and online financial services.
According to Joy Online.
