By Hannah Dadzie
The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC, has been honoured as a platinum sponsor for its extensive promotion and coverage of the 3rd Made-in-Ghana Bazaar.
The Bazaar, spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration ended yesterday, May 25 at the Accra International Conference Centre, AICC.
Serving as a vibrant platform for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to showcase and sell their Ghanaian-made products, the event attracted 2,300 visitors.
The Bazaar was praised for providing essential exposure and commercial opportunities for Ghanaian businesses, fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and international trade expansion.
Delivering the closing remarks, Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ambassador Joseph Ramses Cleland, highlighted the event’s achievements, underscoring its role in promoting locally manufactured goods and boosting Ghana’s export potential.
He commended the organizers and sponsors for their efforts in promoting Ghanaian culture and supporting local businesses.
The colourful event, which began on May 23, showcased the best Ghanaian products and fostered a spirit of national pride and economic empowerment. It featured traditional music and dance representing the country’s diverse cultures.
Activities included panel discussions emphasizing entrepreneurial support and market access for the youth and a play, “The Second Coming of Nkrumah,” by Latif Abubakar. Food enthusiasts enjoyed a variety of traditional Ghanaian dishes.
A noteworthy highlight was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration’s commitment to leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Ambassador Cleland expressed optimism that Ghanaian SMEs would capitalize on this initiative to expand their reach within Africa, enhancing intra-African trade and economic integration.
“I can confidently say that we have achieved our objective. Permit me to add that Ghana is keen on a successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, which provides the unique opportunity for intra-African trade to expand the market base for our locally produced goods and services. It is my fervent hope that the private sector particularly our SMEs will take full advantage of AfCFTA initiative especially the guided trade initiative to expand their reach within the African continent,”Ambassador Cleland indicated.
The success of the Bazaar was attributed to the concerted efforts of various partners and stakeholders, whose contributions were pivotal in ensuring the event’s seamless execution. The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC, and other sponsors received awards for promoting the event.
“The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation is also a media partner but not only a media partner but whatever GBC is doing is absolutely gratis and we are grateful to GBC for this. Thank you so much GBC, next time we come to you please do more for us” Rep from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Reflecting on the Bazaar’s future, Ambassador Cleland hinted at the possibility of rotating the event across different regions to inclusively bolster local economies throughout Ghana.
“I’m happy to note that the initiative by honourable Shirley Ayorkor has enabled the ministry to enhance its economic diplomacy activity and contribute to strengthening Ghana’s private sector. Given the huge number of exhibitors and involvement of the general public, the ministry will consider the idea that the Bazaar be held in the various regions on rotational basis. Let us see seize this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to partnership and collaboration and to work together towards a brighter and more prosperous future for Ghana and for us all. Always remember to eat Ghana, wear Ghana and buy Ghana,” The Chief Director added.
The event wouldn’t have been successful without the exhibitors. Some of them who spoke to GBCNEWS, expressed desire for the Bazaar to be extended.
“We’ve been here since day one and so far so good. But I would suggest going forward they do it during the end of the month, because by then a lot of people would have money to buy, because at this time a lot of people are waiting for their salaries. They bought things though but the quality, I think they are also trying to be on budget. I think they have to give to other region the opportunity to showcase their products,” CEO of Venet Naturals, Etornam Gharbrah.
“We sell herbal immune booster, 100% locally made. Honestly, we’ve been to a number of exhibitions but we can confidently say this is one of the best. We can’t wait for the next one, we hope that it will be even longer than this” An exhibitor, Thorntina-74 Mixture
So when people come they will be like when is it ending, then we tell them that it’s just 3 days, we will be like wow they should’ve extended ot a bit. So my pleading is that they should extend the days to like a week or two,” A Handicraft exhibitor Charlotte Abla Mordzifa.
The event concluded with a call to action for Ghanaian businesses to leverage the contacts and opportunities established during the Bazaar to expand globally. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing continued support through Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad, helping businesses reach international markets. The ministry and its partners look forward to the fourth edition of the Bazaar, with high hopes for continued success and greater achievements.
