By: Hannah Dadzie
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has urged Ghana’s Ambassadors and High Commissioners to make it their duty to promote Ghanaian products in their countries of posting, describing it as key to reducing import dependence and strengthening the economy.
He made the call at the opening of the 4th Made-in-Ghana Bazaar in Accra, stressing that envoys can significantly advance the President’s accelerated export development drive by introducing products like Ghanaian chocolate, textiles, and crafts to international markets.
“If you make it your duty that once on your tour, somebody gets to know about Ghanaian chocolate and imports it, you would be a very successful employee of your country,” he said.
Mr. Debrah noted that no country can prosper by relying heavily on imports, adding that “if every envoy ensures just one Ghanaian product is promoted abroad, it will make a major difference.”
He encouraged Ghanaians to patronize locally made goods, saying it was the only way to build a resilient and self-sufficient economy.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, explained that the bazaar, launched in 2018, has become a flagship programme to connect local producers with global markets through Ghana’s diplomatic missions.
He said the initiative is now part of the ministry’s annual work plan and tied to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for envoys, which measure their success in promoting exports and increasing market access for Ghanaian goods.
“We have a renewed determination to facilitate the penetration of Ghanaian products and services into foreign markets, which will invariably help our MSMEs thrive, thereby providing them with the needed impetus to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).” Mr Quayson said
The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister also called for higher product standards to meet both regional and international expectations.
“Let us continue to take the necessary steps aimed at standardisation and certification to improve the quality of our products, be open to innovation and technological advancement, and learn best practices from around the world. We should ensure that the goods and services meet the standards and certification not only within the framework of AfCFTA but the international market as well,” he stressed.
Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, underscored the synergy between diplomacy and trade, announcing plans for a comprehensive directory of Made-in-Ghana products to be distributed worldwide through Ghana’s missions to increase visibility. This, he said, will significantly boost the visibility of Ghanaian goods and create stronger linkages between producers and markets.
“Economic diplomacy is not a slogan; it is a process that integrates trade promotion, investment facilitation and development cooperation,” he said.
Mr Ahi urged all stakeholders to work together to advance Ghana’s position globally.
“Let us remain guided by the values of partnership, sustainability, and mutual benefit, as we advance Ghana’s role in the regional and global economic landscape. Together, we will champion economic diplomacy, connect our producers with markets and opportunities, and propel Made-in-Ghana from a national aspiration to a global reality,” he indicated
The programme is supported by partners including EXIM Bank Ghana, GNPC, Ghana Free Zones Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). Head of Research at GBC, Solomon Kotei Nikoi reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to promoting Ghanaian culture and industry, while announcing its upcoming domestic tourism campaign, “Journey to the East,” Trek GH, slated for September 2025.
“Made in Ghana is a celebration of our creativity, resilience, and cultural identity. Our partnership with initiatives like this Bazaar reflects our believe that the GBC with it unique nature of transmitting in 27 languages across Ghana has a critical role to play to promote Made-in-Ghana products ” Mr Kotei Nikoi said
The Made-in-Ghana Bazaar themed “Championing Economic Diplomacy: Connecting Producers, Markets, and Opportunities,” brings together exhibitors from across Ghana to showcase products such as cocoa-based items, shea butter, textiles, beverages, cosmetics, and crafts. There is an Exhibitors Forum which will also address challenges facing micro, small, and medium enterprises, including certification, access to finance, packaging, and marketing.
The event will run for three days and is expected to boost exports, create jobs, and generate foreign exchange to support Ghana’s economic growth.
