In a rejoinder issued on Monday, December 8, the Agency stressed that “no staff has been sacked, and the circulating interpretation of the memo is entirely inaccurate.” Management explained that the memo in question has been misrepresented and does not relate to the dismissal of any permanent employee of the Agency.

According to GEA, “the internal memo issued by Management of GEA has been inaccurately portrayed in some media reports.” The statement clarified that the individuals referenced were not mainstream GEA staff, but District Coordinators engaged under a time-bound project, with clearly defined contract terms.

The Agency explained that the coordinators were contract staff supporting a specific project and were never recruited into GEA’s permanent workforce. Their contracts, which were renewable annually, officially expired on 31st August 2025.

However, management offered a temporary extension to ensure work continuity. “Their engagement was not permanent, nor were they hired under the mainstream GEA staffing structure… These contract staff had annual renewable service tenures that officially ended on 31st August 2025. However, in good faith and to ensure continuity of work, Management granted an additional two-month extension, which ended on 31st October 2025.”

GEA emphasised that contract renewals are not guaranteed and depend on several factors, saying “renewal is not automatic. Contract renewal is subject to performance, attendance, funding availability, project needs, and other Management considerations.”

The Agency clarified that the memo did not terminate any contracts but simply directed individuals whose contractual periods had already expired, and who had not yet completed renewal processes, to stop reporting to work until those processes are completed.

“The internal memo that has been misconstrued merely directed that individuals whose contracts have expired and who are yet to complete renewal processes should cease reporting to work until those processes are completed.”

Management added that this instruction also applied to National Service Personnel who have completed their mandatory service period and cannot continue reporting to work without new authorisation.

The statement noted that the directive was purely administrative and standard in the public sector. “This administrative instruction is standard practice to prevent irregularities, safeguard the integrity of the Agency’s operations, and ensure proper accountability, especially regarding staff presence, assignments, and the handling of the Agency’s property.”

The Agency firmly rejected claims that its permanent or mainstream staff had been affected. “We wish to reiterate that no permanent or mainstream GEA staff have been dismissed. The memo did not, and was never intended to, affect career staff of the Agency.”

GEA therefore urged the media to exercise due diligence before publishing claims relating to its operations. “The narrative circulating in sections of the media is, therefore, misleading and should be disregarded.”

The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to fair administrative processes, saying it “remains committed to due process, transparency, and fair treatment of all staff, including project-based contract staff and national service personnel whose tenure has legally ended.”

GEA concluded by encouraging journalists and the public to seek clarification when in doubt to avoid misinterpretation of internal communications.

Held under the theme “Empowering MSMEs, Connecting Entrepreneurs for a Digital and Sustainable Future,” this year’s observance highlights the government’s renewed drive toward digital innovation, inclusive economic growth, and enhanced institutional support for MSMEs—widely recognised as the engine of Ghana’s economic transformation.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to creating a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape where Ghanaian MSMEs can grow, innovate, and compete globally.

“MSMEs are the backbone of our national transformation, and we are positioning Ghanaian MSMEs to not only thrive locally but to become active players in global supply chains,” the Minister stated.

“By embracing digital tools and platforms, our entrepreneurs can break traditional barriers, expand their market reach, and compete confidently on the international stage.”

She also called on development partners, financial institutions, and private sector leaders to support the government’s vision of building a resilient MSME ecosystem that delivers inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity.

Ms. Margaret Ansei, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, emphasised that the 2025 MSME Day will spotlight the crucial role MSMEs play in job creation, innovation, and national development.

She revealed that the celebration will aim to promote the adoption of digital tools by at least 70% of participating MSMEs and connect 200 enterprises to essential digital and mobile banking infrastructure.

“This year’s MSME Day is a call to action—empowering MSMEs through digital transformation and building long-term resilience,” she said.

Representing the United Nations in Ghana, Arianna Gasparri of UNCDF highlighted the importance of the day within the framework of the UN Joint Programme on Leveraging Digital Ecosystems for Increased MSME Productivity, funded by the European Union through the UN Joint SDG Fund.

“This initiative is about more than funding; it’s about building resilient systems and unlocking private sector investment in underserved markets,” Ms. Gasparri noted.

Angela Mensah Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer for MTN Ghana, commended the GEA for bringing stakeholders together in support of MSME growth.

“At MTN Ghana, we’re proud to support MSMEs with smart digital tools and MoMo solutions that help them do business smarter, faster, and better,” she said.

The 2025 MSME Day will bring together over 250 in-person participants from government, private sector, development partners, financial institutions, and academia, with more than 1,000 virtual attendees expected to join via livestream.

Activities on the day will include a high-level policy dialogue, MSME business clinics, a digital innovation showcase, capacity-building workshops, and a Made-in-Ghana exhibition to promote locally produced goods and services.

Entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to share success stories and receive real-time support on business compliance, financing, and growth strategies.

The celebration reaffirms Ghana’s national commitment to fostering a resilient, digitally empowered MSME sector capable of driving the country’s sustainable development goals.