In Goaso, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has advised local businesses and processors to prioritize African markets for their products and services, rather than concentrating on European markets. This recommendation was made during a sensitization tour organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) in the Ahafo region.
According to Ghana News Agency, in charge of the Kumasi Zone of GEPA, the African sub-region offers a larger market with higher demand for local products compared to European markets. His comments were part of his address at the event held in Goaso, the regional capital. The programme was attended by an array of participants including chiefs and queens, business entrepreneurs, processors, farmers, and assembly members.
The GIPC's event, themed 'Grow in Ghana, grow with Ghana', aimed to enlighten attendees about the Center’s mandate, opportunities, benefits, and the importance of local businesses, enterprises, and processors registering with the Center. Mr Fosu-Kwakye emphasized the significance of branding and packaging in marketing, urging manufacturers and processors to enhance their product quality to align with international standards.
The sensitization programme, which was supported by the Ghana Enterprises Agency, GEPA, and the Ghana Exim Bank, provided a platform for local businesses to network and discover investment opportunities within the region. Mr. George Boakye, the Ahafo Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, praised the GIPC for organizing the programme, highlighting its potential to boost economic growth and development in the region.
Mr. Boakye pointed out the immense economic potential of Ahafo in sectors like agriculture, tourism, agro-processing, hospitality, and mining. He encouraged investors to seize these opportunities for exploration and investment. Dr. George Asafo-Agyei, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at GIPC, also stressed the importance of exposing local businesses to the myriad of economic opportunities available within the country and across Africa.