In a significant move to bolster Ghana’s economic diplomacy and foster domestic industries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced the launch of the 3rd Made-in-Ghana Bazaar. Scheduled to take place from the 23rd to 25th of May 2024 at the Accra International Conference Centre, this event is themed “Promoting Made-in-Ghana Goods and Services for Economic Prosperity.”
The initiative aims to showcase the diversity and quality of locally produced goods and services, thereby encouraging domestic consumption and international trade. The Made-in-Ghana Bazaar serves as a pivotal platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services to both domestic and international audiences.
It provides an opportunity for these businesses to gain exposure, network with potential investors, and explore new markets. The event is expected to feature a wide range of products, including food and beverages, textiles, crafts, technology, and more, reflecting the rich diversity of Ghana’s industrial sectors.
“The Bazaar has been strategically designed to harness the efforts of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. [This is] to promote Ghanaian products and services in foreign markets, through the use of the network of Ghana’s Diplomatic Missions abroad and Diplomatic Missions accredited to Ghana.”
Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
At the launch, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey recalled that the Made-in-Ghana Bazaar, which is a flagship program of the Ministry was launched in 2018 following the Government’s decision to re-establish the Economic, Trade, and Investment Bureau (ECTIB) of the Ministry in 2017, pursuant to its economic and industrial transformation agenda.
Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey also stated that after successfully organizing the Bazaar in 2018 and 2019, the annual event was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption of the Bazaar will provide the needed platform to build strong relationships between Ghana’s local industries and the well-established markets of its foreign partners abroad.
Impact on Ghana’s Economy
The 3rd Made-in-Ghana Bazaar is poised to have a significant impact on Ghana’s economy. By promoting local consumption and encouraging investment, the event is expected to boost domestic production and create jobs. Furthermore, by enhancing Ghana’s global image, the bazaar could attract more foreign direct investment, leading to economic diversification and sustainable development.
Beyond its immediate economic benefits, the Made-in-Ghana Bazaar plays a crucial role in enhancing Ghana’s global image. By showcasing the quality and diversity of Ghanaian products and services on an international stage, the event helps to position Ghana as a hub for African-made goods. This can lead to increased international recognition and partnerships, further strengthening Ghana’s position in the global economy.
Additionally, Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey stated that the 3rd Made-in-Ghana Bazaar “re-echos the need to patronize Made-in-Ghana goods and services while improving on the production, processing, packaging, and distribution chain”. The Bazaar would also allow exhibitors to showcase a wide range of innovative products and services, establish contacts with strategic partners, exchange experiences, explore business opportunities, and consolidate relationships with new and existing customers, the Minister added.
The Chief Director for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ambassador Ramses Cleland remarked that one of the Ministry’s mandates is to promote Ghana’s interest abroad and was optimistic that the 3rd Made-in-Ghana Bazaar would provide the opportunity for exhibitors especially Small Medium Enterprises (SME’s) to learn best practices, standards, and network with other businesses.
The 3rd Made-in-Ghana Bazaar will feature side events under the themes “The Changing Nature of Diplomacy: 21st Century Economic Diplomacy a Private Sector Perspective”, “Equipping the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)” and “Projecting Ghana’s Creative Arts Industry for Sustainable Development”. Patrons of the 3rd Made-in-Ghana Bazaar will also witness a theatre play titled “The Second Coming of Nkrumah” by Mr. Latif Abubakar, from 24th to 26th May 2024.
The media launch was attended by representatives of the Ministry’s stakeholder institutions such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). Others included the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GNCCI), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, some Exhibitors, and members of the media also attended the launch.
The 3rd Made-in-Ghana Bazaar represents a strategic initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to promote economic prosperity through local production and consumption. As Ghana continues to navigate the complexities of the global economy, events like the Made-in-Ghana Bazaar play a crucial role in supporting local businesses, stimulating economic growth, and positioning Ghana as a leader in African-made goods.
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