The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry has opened the 4th Made-in-Ghana Street Fair in Accra to promote Ghanaian goods and reduce Ghanaian dependency on imported goods as part of government’s Year of  Return program.

Under the theme "The Year of Return,” the fair would help to stimulate the demand for local products while ensuring the quality of Made-in-Ghana goods and services, as well as the promotion of the adoption of high standards in the production, processing and distribution channel.

The event which is currently going on in the Osu Oxford Street has attracted overwhelming participation with colourful display of none traditional export commodities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Osu Oxford Street, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Dr Afua Asabea Asare said the main objective of the fair over the last few years has been the promotion and marketing quality Ghanaian products.

The fair has side attractions like a music festival, cultural show and float seeks to make Made-In-Ghana products the most desired choice for the majority of consumers in the country.

The Homing Edition of the fair has registered over 200 exhibitors and is expected to attract more than 50,000 patrons during the three-day fair.

Some of the made-in-Ghana items on display include handicrafts and gifts, food beverages, furniture, home fittings,  textiles and garments, beauty and cosmetics, computers and electronics, transport and machinery, printing and publishing, pharmaceuticals,

According to Dr Afua Asabea Asare Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) through the fair, Government was expected to reduce the country's import bill and improve trade balance including the use of financial tax incentives, penalties, tariff and non-tariff interventions.

 Dr Asabea Asare said this would be achieved through the commitment by all stakeholders to promote locally manufactured goods in line with the Government's aim of taking 'Ghana beyond Aid.'

She gave an assurance that the Fair 'is going to be fun as guests, exhibitors and visitors were treated with melodious tunes by the celebrated Wulomei band who were their usual dresses as chiefs and priests.

In an speech read on his behalf, Mr Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, a Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, said partners including the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, the National Board for Small Scale Industries and the Association of Ghana Industries were collaborating with the Ministry to encourage patronage of the Fair, which would be an annual event and would go beyond the Greater Accra Region.

Mr Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah indicated Government’s commitment to finding a way to get local manufacturers to improve on their market penetration and visibility and the need for them to understand why they must spend proper packaging among others.

“So in effect, we are devising a means for Ghanaians to actually take what they have produced seriously for our companies to be able to thrive and be able to also employ more people on the streets,” he said.

He implored Ghanaians to patronise the Fair, saying, 'Going forward we want to brand Ghana, we want to make Ghana a premium and we want to have that name, which if people pick they will say yes this is what I want.

 The Fair is sponsored by  Ghana Eximbank, B5plus, GCB Bank, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Standard Authority, GC Net and DDP Outdoor Limited.