The Ghana Trade Fair Company Ltd. marked another milestone with the successful hosting of the 2nd edition of the Osagyefo Made in Ghana Fair on September 21st, 2024. Held at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the event was organized in celebration of the birthday of Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and aimed at promoting Ghanaian-made products and innovations.
The fair showcased a diverse range of locally produced goods, from automobiles and food to clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Dr. Agnes Adu, the CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Ltd., stressed the importance of supporting local businesses and promoting the consumption of made-in-Ghana products.
“Hosting this fair allows us to highlight the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Ghanaians,” Dr. Adu noted. “By focusing on locally produced goods, we not only support our industries but also strengthen our economy and international competitiveness.”
The event was met with overwhelming support from the public, with exhibitors reporting increased interest and sales. Attendees were treated to an array of cultural performances, including live music and traditional dances, creating a festive environment that celebrated both the products and the culture of Ghana.
In her speech, Dr. Adu encouraged all Ghanaians to fully embrace locally made products. She emphasized that Ghana produces some of the finest fabrics in Africa, which are transformed into a variety of high-quality items suitable for every occasion.
Looking ahead, the Ghana Trade Fair Company Ltd. is committed to organizing more events like the Osagyefo Made in Ghana Fair to further promote Ghanaian entrepreneurship and drive support for local businesses. “The growth of our economy depends on supporting homegrown businesses and the innovation of our people,” said Dr. Adu.
The event was generously supported by key sponsors, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, and the National Board for Small-Scale Industries. Dr. Adu extended her appreciation to the sponsors, saying, “Their contributions were crucial to the success of this fair, and we look forward to their continued support.”
Despite the success, some exhibitors raised concerns about the high cost of raw materials used in their production. Many explained that the reliance on imported materials inflates the cost of their goods, affecting their competitiveness in the market.
Exhibitors urged the government to focus on establishing more local processing facilities to convert raw materials into semi-finished products. This, they believe, would reduce production costs and make Ghanaian-made goods more affordable and accessible.
