The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has urged Ghana’s Ambassadors and High Commissioners to prioritize the promotion of Ghanaian products in their countries of posting, describing it as key to reducing import dependence and strengthening the economy.

Speaking at the opening of the 4th Made-in-Ghana Bazaar held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), Mr Debrah said envoys could significantly advance the President’s accelerated export development drive by introducing products such as Ghanaian chocolate, textiles, and crafts to international markets.

“If you make it your duty that once on your tour, somebody gets to know about Ghanaian chocolate and imports it, you would be a very successful employee of your country,” he stated.

Mr. Debrah stressed that no country could prosper by relying heavily on imports, adding that “if every envoy ensures just one Ghanaian product is promoted abroad, it will make a major difference.”

He further encouraged Ghanaians to patronize locally made goods, noting that this was the only way to build a resilient and self-sufficient economy.

Diplomacy and trade synergy

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

He said the programme is now part of the ministry’s annual work plan and tied to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for envoys, measuring their success in promoting exports and expanding international market access for Ghanaian goods.

“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 urged producers to meet global standards, stressing: “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. We should ensure that the goods and services meet the standards and certification not only within the framework of AfCFTA but the international market as well.”

Global visibility for Made-in-Ghana products

Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, underscored the synergy between diplomacy and trade, announcing plans for a comprehensive directory of Made-in-Ghana products to be distributed worldwide through Ghana’s missions.

“Economic diplomacy is not a slogan; it is a process that integrates trade promotion, investment facilitation and development cooperation,” he said.

Mr. Ahi urged stakeholders to work together to advance Ghana’s position globally.

“Let us remain guided by the values of partnership, sustainability, and mutual benefit, as we advance Ghana’s role in the regional and global economic landscape. Together, we will champion economic diplomacy, connect our producers with markets and opportunities, and propel Made-in-Ghana from a national aspiration to a global reality,” he indicated.

Support and participation

The programme is supported by partners including EXIM Bank Ghana, GNPC, Ghana Free Zones Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

Head of Research at GBC, Solomon Kotei Nikoi, reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to promoting Ghanaian culture and industry, announcing its upcoming domestic tourism campaign, Journey to the East (Trek GH), slated for September 2025.

“Made in Ghana is a celebration of our creativity, resilience, and cultural identity. Our partnership with initiatives like this Bazaar reflects our belief that the GBC, with its unique ability to transmit in 27 languages across Ghana, has a critical role to play in promoting Made-in-Ghana products,” Mr. Kotei Nikoi said.

The Made-in-Ghana Bazaar, themed “Championing Economic Diplomacy: Connecting Producers, Markets, and Opportunities,” brings together exhibitors from across Ghana to showcase products such as cocoa-based items, shea butter, textiles, beverages, cosmetics, and crafts.

An Exhibitors Forum will also address challenges facing micro, small, and medium enterprises, including certification, access to finance, packaging, and marketing.

The three-day event is expected to boost exports, create jobs, and generate foreign exchange to support Ghana’s economic growth.