The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has passionately appealed to Ghanaians to purchase made-in-Ghana products.

He stated that Ghanaians must make a conscious effort to buy locally produced Ghanaian goods to strengthen the country’s local economy.

"Buy from them, mentor them, partner with them. Let us empower our entrepreneurs, so they can stand shoulder to shoulder with their global counterparts," he remarked.

"Together, we can build an inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive economy powered by our Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)," he added.

Speaking at the fourth edition of the Chamber Bazaar 2025, a trade exhibition organised by the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) at Takoradi in the Western Region, he highlighted that the event was not only inspiring but also heartwarming and refreshing. The bazaar aimed to promote Ghanaian products made by domestic companies.

He said the theme, “Empowering and Preparing SMEs for Global Markets,” was vital in this era of cross-border trade facilitated by technology.

"It has become increasingly important for businesses to better position themselves and take advantage of global markets. It is only through international commerce, guided by the principles of fair trade and mutual interest, that businesses can grow and reach their full potential", he said.

The Minister took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the regional manager and chairman for their invitation, commending them for their enthusiasm in organising the event.

He continued, "Not long ago, the leadership of the Chamber engaged me in my office to congratulate me, and today, here we are for another engagement. Let me assure the business community in the Western Region that we will, together with the Chamber of Commerce, work to promote business development in the region. We have the potential to make a difference, first due to our strategic location and second, due to our resource endowment."

Mr Nelson explained that the activities of small businesses should motivate others to strive for more.

We must encourage increased investment in the region and explore partnerships both within and outside the country for business growth.

He said Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of the Ghanaian economy—creating employment, driving innovation, and contributing significantly to Ghana’s GDP.

In the Western Region, SMEs form the lifeblood of local economies from agro-processing, arts and crafts, to retail, manufacturing, and service delivery.

"They embody the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of our people. Yet, we must acknowledge that SMEs face several challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing global markets. These include, but are not limited to:

1. Limited access to finance and modern equipment;
2. Inadequate capacity and limited knowledge in international trade practices;
3. Challenges in meeting international standards and regulations;
4. Insufficient data on emerging global market trends."

To address these challenges, he said, we must adopt multi-faceted strategies that are forward-thinking and inclusive.

"Firstly, access to finance remains crucial. The NDC government, through its 2024 People’s Manifesto, has committed to establishing a Ghana SME Fund, a dedicated financing mechanism to support SMEs with low-interest loans, grants, and equity funding.

Additionally, tax incentives and access to venture capital will be enhanced to reduce financial burdens on entrepreneurs.

Secondly, the government will invest in capacity-building through regional enterprise support hubs that will provide technical support, digital skills, and mentorship opportunities.

These will ensure that our SMEs are not only efficient but also globally competitive.

Thirdly, we must support our businesses to meet international standards. As a government, we will work closely with regulatory agencies such as the Ghana Standards Authority and the Food and Drugs Authority to streamline compliance and offer advisory services to SMEs."

We will expand digital infrastructure and training programmes to ensure our SMEs can leverage e-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, and virtual trade expos to reach markets beyond our borders, " he said.

Empowering and preparing SMEs for the global market also means encouraging partnerships, he said.

"We need to connect our local entrepreneurs with international counterparts, donor agencies, and trade facilitators who can open doors to global supply chains.

As a region, we are committed to creating a business-friendly environment through policies that reduce bureaucracy, provide market access, and encourage innovation" the minister added.

The Western Region has a strategic advantage, such as its proximity to the port, abundant resources, and industrious population, which we must leverage fully as previously stated."

"I want to commend the Western Regional Chapter of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) for this initiative, and urge all stakeholders, government, development partners, financial institutions, and individuals, to rally behind our SMEs," he concluded.