By Hannah Dadzie
The 3rd Made-in-Ghana Bazaar has opened at the Accra International Conference Centre. Despite the rich diversity in Made-in-Ghana products, they remain relatively unknown in the international market.
The three-day event aims to bridge this gap by fostering stronger relationships between Ghana’s local industries and well-established international markets.
It is expected to significantly contribute to strengthening Ghana’s economy. The Bazaar features a wide array of quality products, highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T Hammond emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and artisans, investing in the local economy, and strengthening and preserving the productive sectors for future generations. He said together Ghana can build a buoyant and self-reliant economy with a strong industrial base.
More than 150 exhibitors are displaying some of Ghana’s most iconic products in local and international markets. These range from traditional crafts and artisanal works to manufactured products featuring cutting-edge technology.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Bazaar aims to compile data on all exhibitors and distribute this information to Ghana Missions abroad as well as Diplomatic Missions accredited to Ghana.
This initiative is intended to help identify markets for these products and expand their reach. The Ministry said this year’s edition is strategically designed to harness the innovative efforts of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
Speaking at the opening, A Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in-charge of Finance and Administration, Mavis Nkansah-Boadu, said the Ministry will continue to collaborate with its partners to identify more markets for Ghanaian products and services.
“Let me at this juncture, mention that the Government of Ghana is keen on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA) agreement. The AfCFTA framework has provided a unique opportunity for intra-African trade and Ghana is at the forefront of implementing this agreement. SMEs have been an integral part of Ghana’s economic transformation and I am happy to note that we have recorded a surge in quality Ghanaian goods and services. The Ghana Standards Authority informs that over 70% of indigenous products passed international quality assessments, a good development we are witnessing.”Madam Nkansah-Boadu said.
“As we capture the essence of domestic production, let us continue to take the necessary steps towards standardisation and certification through technology and innovation as well as the learning of best practices from around the world in order to build a mark of integrity for our products and ensure that our goods and services meet international standards.” The Deputy Minister added
Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, stated that the Bazaar reflects the passion and commitment to achieving quality standards, as well as progress in technology and innovation. He encouraged everyone to patronize the event with a sense of pride and patriotism.
“The whole purpose of the Bazaar is to kind of advertise the capacity, the potential of our SMEs to produce, to turn the Ghanaian produced raw materials into manufactured items. We do know that Ghana has a flavour for imported items, the issue now is exhibit the items so you to know that we can also convert our local raw materials to manufactured goods. We’ve seen impressive things up there, i saw a company from i think Malaysia or Tanzania they are here, i don’t see why our products could not reach their market. That’s the purpose of this Bazaar.
The Director of Marketing at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, one of the media partners for the event, George Lomotey, expressed the Corporation’s commitment to providing the needed platform for Ghanaian businesses to leverage the Corporation’s reach to sell their products.
“We believe in the Ghanaian brand, i mean with our 7 TV Channels, 18 radio stations, all the exciting and vibrant digital media paltforms, we really believe that it is time for us to make our platforms available for the Ghanaian brands to tell their stories,” Mr Lomotey.
Each booth highlights the rich diversity of Made-in-Ghana goods. Some exhibitors spoke to GBC News about their products and experiences.
“We don’t import anything, we use things we can get around us to make soap. I have 22 varieties of soaps, they are all locally made. People are coming and we are hoping market will boom at least we have two days more to go,” Exhibitor Tuuroson enterprise.
“We are into the production of Northern Ghana traditional fabric, popularly known as the Northern Kente. We heard of the Bazaar and we applied and we are here,” A Northern Kente exhibitor.
“We are exhibiting everything photography, so all you see here are photos they have been taking all over the world and also since we are in Ghana we are exhibiting photos of Ghana,”
Exhibitors TwinsDntBeg.
As part of the Bazaar’s activities, a blind tasting competition dubbed ‘Jollof War’ will take place on May 25, 2024. According to the Ministry, this event aims to finally determine who cooks the best Jollof.
