The Chief Executive of the Ghana Trade Fair Company has reiterated calls for citizens to patronise locally produced goods and services, in a bid to boost the country’s economy.

Speaking to journalists at the opening of the Grand Sales in Kumasi on Thursday, September 19, 2024, Dr. Agnes Adu explained that it was about time Ghanaians reduced their taste for foreign products and considered Made-in-Ghana products as a way of life and a worthwhile investment.

“Supporting Made-in-Ghana products should be your attitude as a Ghanaian. If you go to a store, you will see rice made in Ghana and rice from somewhere else, what is your sense? You sense that you need to support the rice produced in Ghana. You go to buy a car and there is a car assembled in Ghana and a car from somewhere else; which one should you prefer?

"You should prefer what your brother in the factory has made because it supports him, and his family. The attitude, that you come to the table, with will make or break how we develop the economy. Made-in-Ghana is not just a tag, it is a way of life.”

With their mandate to promote Made-in-Ghana goods and services, this is the second time the Ghana Trade Fair Company has organized such a sales bazaar in Kumasi, after ten years.

“We do this every year in different places and this year we are in Kumasi. Our goal is to support Made-in-Ghana goods, by creating platforms like these exhibitions, and fairs so that the things we produce here, will not only be showcased but also allow retailers and stores to clear their goods. It is September already and before you know it, it will be the Christmas season and the rush of shopping will be upon us”, Dr. Adu added.

Some exhibitors who spoke to Luv News expressed excitement at the opportunity to share their works, seek future partnerships and ultimately grow their businesses.

According to the Head of Recruitment and the Senior Assistant Registrar at the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), Mr. Joseph Adane, “the GTFC had done well, especially from when we came setting up, we saw the public trooping in here. It is good, and encouraging for an institution like GCTU to even participate in such a fair. It means that the trade industry is moving into digitalisation so it is very thoughtful of the organisers to hold these events.”

On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of UD Beads, and More, Essela Akrugu, made a passionate appeal to the government, to invest heavily in local businesses for them to expand.

Madam Akrugu, who makes bags, hats, and accessories from plastic waste and cloth, and has created job opportunities for people in Bolgatanga, could not be more excited to display her pieces.

The Grand Sales 2024 scheduled to end on September 23, 2024, has since attracted exhibitors in the fashion, hair, cosmetics, sanitation, food, and education sectors.

The event also saw partners like Wilmar Africa, Nutri Foods, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, that set up a blood donation desk to ask patrons for voluntary blood donations during the fair.