The 4th edition of the three-day Made-in-Ghana Bazaar opened on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), attracting massive patronage and renewed national calls to promote local goods and boost Ghana’s export agenda.

The event, which runs until Monday, September 8, showcases a wide variety of Ghanaian products, with patrons not only browsing but making significant purchases.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, the bazaar continues to serve as a vital platform for showcasing locally made products, connecting producers with markets, and driving investment opportunities.

This year’s edition was held under the theme: “Championing Economic Diplomacy: Connecting Producers, Markets and Opportunities.”

Chief of Staff rallies support for local products

Opening the event, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah underscored the urgency of President Mahama’s vision for an “accelerated export development drive.”

Mr Debrah stressed that no country can thrive on an import-dependent economy. He urged Ghanaian ambassadors and foreign representatives to actively promote Made-in-Ghana products internationally, citing Ghanaian chocolate as an example of a product with the potential to transform the country’s export fortunes if vigorously marketed worldwide.

He also highlighted the importance of cultural storytelling in marketing, sharing an example of how an American visitor was captivated by the history behind a Ghanaian stool and Kente cloth.

According to him, weaving Ghana’s heritage into its products could give them stronger appeal in international markets. He further recalled an era under General Acheampong when Ghanaian goods dominated local markets and challenged the relevant ministries to revive that momentum through education and campaigns that instil pride in local products.

Government reaffirms export commitment

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, described the bazaar as a symbol of Ghana’s innovation, resilience, and global ambition.

“This year’s theme, ‘Championing Economic Diplomacy: Connecting Producers, Markets and Opportunities,’ reflects the critical link between trade diplomacy and trade policy in advancing Ghana’s export and industrial transformation agenda,” he said.

Mr. Ahi announced plans to distribute a comprehensive brochure of Made-in-Ghana products and export information through Ghana’s Missions worldwide. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, the brochure will serve as a strategic tool to align Ghanaian businesses with international demand and expand their market access.

He also praised institutions such as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and Ghana EXIM Bank for their roles in supporting export-ready businesses, attracting investment, and financing Ghanaian enterprises.

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat headquartered in Accra, Mr. Ahi said Ghana is well-positioned to lead efforts to promote intra-African trade and regional integration.

He urged that the “Made-in-Ghana” label be seen not just as a mark of origin but as a symbol of quality, pride, and economic opportunity.

Driving international market access

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs James Gyakye Quayson noted that the bazaar, launched in 2018, has become a flagship initiative connecting local producers with global markets through Ghana’s diplomatic missions.

He explained that it has been incorporated into the ministry’s annual work plan and tied to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Ghana’s envoys to measure their success in promoting exports.

“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.

He also stressed the need for higher product standards to meet both regional and international requirements.

“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,” he urged.

The three-day event continues to attract businesses, investors, and patrons eager to support locally made products and champion Ghana’s export growth.