K T Hammond (2nd L) Mavis Nkansah Boadu (M) with other officials opening the fair
Ghanaians have been urged to patronise made-in-Ghana products given its distinct quality in recent times in order to boost the local economy.
Minister of Trade and Industry, K. T Hammond who made the call at the 3rd made-in-Ghana Bazaar in Accra yesterday said the patronage does not only satisfy the needs of consumers but also goes a long way to strengthen other productive sectors of the economy.
“Every purchase made here today helps to sustain livelihoods and promote productivity and sustainability in our communities.
“By supporting your local businesses and artisans, you are not only satisfying your needs but you are also investing in the local economy,” he said.
He noted that the NPP government, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, has embarked on several initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses.
The Minister stated that such initiatives have also helped to boost production in the industrial sector and expanded market access especially in sectors linked to the processing of local raw materials.
Among these initiatives, he mentioned, include the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative which is a fitting example of how the government can stimulate private sector investment in expanding manufacturing and job creation across several districts in the country.
He mentioned that the government has also made strides in attracting foreign and domestic investment into new strategic industries in 11 major vehicle brands citing examples of Volkswagen Toyota, Suzuki and Nissan among others.
He further commended the private sector for keeping faith and responding positively to the NPP government’s bold vision of industrial transformation.
“It is your investment and entrepreneurial resilience that has made it possible to come this far and sustained progress despite the difficult hurdle of the COVID-19 pandemic” he added.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mavis Nkansah Boadu, said the potential of strategic economic diplomacy has become so evident today that States are increasing collaboration between non-State actors thereby increasing their importance to World Trade Organisation (WTO) issues.
She said the Ministry has been executing its economic diplomacy agenda together with its diplomatic Missions abroad and partner institutions by assisting Ghanaian businesses to have access to foreign markets for their goods and services.
The Deputy Minister therefore indicated that the Bazaar would therefore facilitate the penetration of Ghanaian products and services into foreign markets through the network of Ghana’s Missions abroad and Diplomatic Missions accredited to Ghana.
That, she said, would invariably support the growth of SMEs and provide them with the needed impetus to expand their reach into markets including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Bazaar
Made-in-Ghana’ Bazaar is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration launched in 2018 following the government’s decision to re-establish the Economic, Trade and Investment Bureau of the Ministry in 2017.
The 3-Day event under the theme, “Promoting Made-In Ghana Goods and Services for Economic Prosperity” brought together over 150 exhibitors and expected to attract over 2000 visitors.
Some of the products being exhibited at the event which ends on Saturday May 25, 2024 include food and ingredients, beverage products skin and beauty care products, textiles, garments, leather wares footwear, slippers among several others.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah