The first case of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was detected globally in November 2019. This incident marked the beginning of an unprecedented pandemic that affected and continues to affect the world in 2022, making it one of the most severe global shocks in recent history. The direct health effects and loss of human life are catastrophic, and the unprecedented disruptions to societies, social cohesion, and economies will be felt for decades. As the number of COVID-19 cases in Ghana continues to rise, the economy braces for a shock of unprecedented severity and complexity.

In a national context already weakened by prolonged sluggishness, heightened inequalities, and policy uncertainty, the health emergency has impacted the economy, causing a simultaneous supply and demand shock, with losses in the formal and informal labor sectors.

Despite the significant interest and ongoing investment of local and national governments, non-governmental organizations, and development agencies in strengthening the resilience of local communities in Ghana, it is unclear which domains should be prioritized in policies and programs for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to recover.