Sanjeet Kumar PattnaikDr. Domeniter Naomi Kathula2026-03-042025-11https://repository.mua.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1544This study investigated the mediating role of transformational leadership in the relationship between COVID-19 pandemic containment measures and performance of SMEs beverage manufacturing sector in Accra, Ghana. The research adopted cross-sectional design and an exploratory design. A quantitative research approach was used to analysis empirical data collected. The study used self- administered research questionnaires as instruments for data collection. Primary data was relied upon to obtain the requisite data for analysis. The primary data was collected from a sample consisting of one hundred (100) respondents from a population of five hundred (500) leaders and Owner/CEOs of the selected SMEs using stratified sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The data was analyzed using the structural equation model (Smarts 3.0). The findings indicated that COVID-19 containment measures did not have a significant effect on performance of SMEs beverage manufacturing sector. COVID-19 containment measures significantly influence transformational leadership. Results showed that transformational leadership has a significant impact on performance of SMEs in beverage manufacturing. The results indicated that transformational leadership mediates the relationship between COVID-19 containment measures and performance of SMEs beverage manufacturing.Article