The impact of globalization on small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) support in Ghana

Abstract

This thesis, entitled "The Impact of Globalization on Small and medium-size Enterprise Support in Ghana", written by Iddi Kassim, submitted on October 7, 2003, to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, Saint Mary's University, Halifax. It investigates the indirect impact of globalization on small and medium enterprises via government policy. Specifically, in terms of the globalization agenda it analyzes the impact of deregulation and liberalization of trade and finance, and privatization on availability, accessibility and adequacy of SME support programs in Ghana, and its impact on effectiveness of the role of SMEs in Ghana's development.

Under the right or favorable conditions, SMEs clearly can, and do, make significant contributions to development process and no less so in the case of Ghana where it is 95% of registered firms and, associated with implicit social and economic benefits. Prior to SAP it was thought then that reform program and the globalization process would broaden opportunities for enterprise development in Ghana, especially, as regards to the need for SMEs for finance, advanced technology and skills from abroad. However, this project has been seriously challenged.

Using data from the International Financial Institutions(IFI), SMEs organizations, and Ghana government and its public institutions, and other relevant organizations, the study concluded that while the agenda somehow improved general enterprise environment, it exposed domestic SMEs to intense constrains that offset the former.