The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has successfully concluded a high-stakes trade mission to the United States, targeting the heart of the global home and gift market, as a delegation led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur Esq., descended upon the Starrett-Lehigh Building in New York City for the prestigious Shoppe Object Winter 2026 exhibition.
According to GEPA this mission marks a strategic escalation in the government’s drive to diversify the nation’s export profile, moving beyond raw commodities to position high-value, design-led Ghanaian brands in the world’s most competitive retail showrooms.
“By securing a presence at Shoppe Object – a curated platform known for its focus on thoughtful makers and sustainable aesthetics – The Authority actively bridged the gap between local artisanal talent and the high-end American consumer.
“The mission is a core component of the Accelerated Export Development Programme, designed to ensure that Ghanaian Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) receive the targeted global visibility required to sustain the 24-Hour+ Economy back home”
GEPA
The three-day engagement in Manhattan was meticulously designed to go beyond simple exhibition, focusing instead on the long-term integration of Ghanaian enterprises into international wholesale networks.
The CEO and his team engaged in intensive B2B sessions with major retail buyers, interior designers, and global sourcing agents who are increasingly looking for authentic, ethically produced goods from West Africa.
These interactions are critical for Ghanaian SMEs, providing them with the direct feedback and market intelligence needed to refine their products for the sophisticated New York market.
“The mission not only focused on building strong relationships with international buyers, but engaging key industry players, and exploring new market access opportunities for Ghanaian products”
GEPA
Securing Market Access
The impact of the New York mission is expected to resonate across Ghana’s creative and manufacturing sectors for the remainder of the 2026 trade year.
By establishing these high-level footholds, GEPA is creating a pipeline of opportunity that allows local artisans and manufacturers to scale their operations with the confidence of a guaranteed off-take.
“These engagements are laying the groundwork for future partnerships,” the Authority reported, emphasizing that the foundation laid at the Starrett-Lehigh Building is essential for the sustainable growth of Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings through increased visibility for Ghanaian brands and sustainable export growth in key international markets.
For GEPA the strategy is clear: by associating Ghanaian products with the prestige of the New York design circuit, the government is increasing the perceived value of the national brand. This, in turn, allows Ghanaian exporters to command higher price points, directly benefiting the rural communities and urban workshops where these products are crafted.
Under the leadership of Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, GEPA is demonstrating a renewed vigor in its international outreach. This New York mission follows similar strategic pushes into European and Asian markets, signaling a global offensive to market “Brand Ghana.”
As the delegation returns, the focus shifts to supporting the local businesses that have caught the eye of American buyers, ensuring they have the technical and financial support to fulfill the anticipated influx of wholesale orders.
The successful execution of this mission proves that with the right state support and strategic placement, Ghana’s creative economy can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best.
READ ALSO: Reset or Rerun? Where is the Scorecard – Kay Codjoe Writes
