By Hannah Dadzie
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled new policies aimed at promoting Made-in-Ghana products both locally and internationally. This was announced by the sector Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, at the launch of the 4th edition of the Made-in-Ghana Bazaar in Accra, marking a significant shift in the country’s economic diplomacy agenda. The Minister described the new measures as a move from rhetoric to results, signalling Ghana’s renewed commitment to championing local products through strategic, actionable steps.
“The Bazaar supports government initiatives such as the 24-hour economy, accelerated export development, and the Feed Ghana Programme by giving visibility to products manufactured in Ghana and facilitating their entry into the international market,” the Minister said.
Launched in 2018, the Made-in-Ghana Bazaar has become a flagship initiative of the Ministry, serving as a platform to showcase Ghanaian goods and services while opening new market opportunities through diplomatic channels. It also serves as a key tool for Ghana’s economic diplomacy, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Guided Trade Initiative and Ghana’s global diplomatic missions to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This year’s edition comes with five new flagship policies introduced by the Foreign Affairs Minister to reinforce the government’s support for Made-in-Ghana products. Notably, all Ghanaian ambassadors will now operate under performance indicators that include specific targets for promoting local goods abroad.
Among the measures the Minister announced are directives to ensure that all state receptions and official meals at Ghana’s foreign missions feature exclusively Ghanaian cuisine and beverages. Additionally, Ghanaian businesses will be given priority in procurement processes conducted by missions abroad.
“Here at the Ministry, we’ve decided that at all state events and receptions, we have instructed our Protocol Department that only Made-in-Ghana food will be served. You don’t invite guests from other countries and try to compete with them at what they are good at. That’s how we boost local production,” Mr. Ablakwa noted.
Chief Director of the Ministry, Ambassador Ramses Joseph Cleland, highlighted the success of previous editions, noting that last year’s event attracted more than 200 exhibitors and 5,000 patrons over a three-day period. He said exhibits ranged from traditional crafts to advanced, tech-enabled products.
“This year’s Bazaar marks a new chapter in our collective journey towards fostering economic growth and strengthening Ghana’s global trade relations. Economic diplomacy is a powerful tool in today’s global economy. It is our expectation that this year’s event will be the best. So far, the Ministry has registered more than 100 exhibitors and we are hoping to register 100 more by the end of August,” Ambassador Cleland indicated.
The Bazaar is being organised in collaboration with key institutions including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Association of Ghana Industries.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, Naa Amerley Bamba, emphasized that promoting local production is central to job creation and economic growth.
“Promoting Made-in-Ghana goods is not just patriotic but also strategic in supporting the government’s vision of making the Ghanaian economy a self-reliant one. The Ghana Trade Fair Company is fully aligned with the President’s reset agenda. We’re committed to providing platforms and opportunities for Ghanaian producers to increase the production of goods and services. We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to guarantee a successful Bazaar in September,” Madam Bamba said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Simon Madjie, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to anchoring economic diplomacy in national development, pledging GIPC’s expertise and support for the Bazaar.
“We pledge our loyalty and fidelity to the Made-in-Ghana Bazaar because we consider it an important part of our work, which is investment and promotion. My staff and I are ready to lead efforts to get this programme running. It is important for our country to advance in economic diplomacy—one of the strong pillars we must all work on,” Mr. Madjie noted.
The 4th Made-in-Ghana Bazaar, themed “Championing Economic Diplomacy: Connecting Producers, Markets, and Opportunities,” is scheduled to take place from September 5 to 7, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
