By Hannah Dadzie
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, has lauded the extraordinary energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit showcased at the just-ended Made-in-Ghana Bazaar at the Accra International Conference Centre.
He described the three-day fair as transformative, noting that the innovation and resilience of exhibitors were central to Ghana’s journey toward economic transformation.
Calling the ‘Made in Ghana’ label a mark of quality, innovation, and national pride, the Deputy Minister encouraged exhibitors to expand beyond their immediate regions. He urged businesses outside Accra to establish outlets in major cities and advised those in the capital to create a presence in northern Ghana, stressing that such efforts would foster a unified national economic story and create jobs for the youth.
Mr Quayson further assured exhibitors of the Ministry’s readiness to support their growth, adding that Ghana’s embassies and high commissions abroad are committed to showcasing Ghanaian products on the global stage. He expressed optimism that next year’s edition of the bazaar will feature even more impactful displays of Ghana’s ingenuity.
The Deputy Minister also called on Ghanaians to embrace and support locally made products, emphasizing that a strong national identity is tied to preserving Ghanaian culture and fashion. He warned against the over-reliance on foreign imports, particularly second-hand clothes, which he said undermine the country’s cultural identity.
“Fashion determines culture, and once we lose our fashion, we lose a big part of who we are,” he stated.
Drawing from his experience living in Toronto, Canada, Mr Quayson cited the Jewish community’s practice of prioritising businesses within their community. He urged Ghanaians to adopt a similar mindset to ensure money circulates locally and benefits Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
The Made-in-Ghana Bazaar, held from September 5 to 7, showcased a diverse range of products, including shea butter, fashion, traditional foods, and handcrafted jewellery. Patrons also enjoyed cultural performances, traditional music by the Kwan Pa Band, and a play titled Ghana Must Go by Latif Abubakar. An exhibitors’ forum was also held to discuss challenges facing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Exhibitors expressed both satisfaction and concerns. Micca Tulevo, CEO of MeM Foods Ghana Ltd, said that while immediate sales were secondary, the business contacts made were invaluable. He called for a local content law beyond the oil and gas sector to protect SMEs from being “crowded out” by multinationals.
Rosemond Afum of Roses’s Clothing, who travelled from the Eastern Region, praised the event for its networking opportunities. “The three-day exhibition has been wonderful. What excites me most are the contacts I’ve built. This programme has been helpful. God bless the organisers,” she said.
In contrast, Nana Owusu of Createcraft GH noted a lower turnout compared to previous editions but stressed that the event’s real value was in building long-term business connections.
The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister expressed appreciation to the event’s sponsors and partners, including the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana Exim Bank, GNPC, GNCCI, GRA, Ghana Free Zones Authority, SP Agency, Multimedia Group, and several private sector organisations, who were honoured with awards for their support.
The colourful exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with key stakeholders, was hailed as a platform that promotes economic diplomacy, fosters national pride, and positions Ghanaian products for global recognition.
