The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, has urged Ghanaians to support local businesses by purchasing homemade goods as an important measure for strengthening the local economy.
He made this statement at the closing ceremony of the fourth Made-in-Ghana bazaar on Sunday in Accra, emphasising the importance of fostering a culture of buying local, saying, “Let’s patronise homemade products.”
The minister warned that continued dependence on foreign clothing could erode traditional fashion and culture.
“Once you drop the fashion, your traditional fashion, your culture dissipates,” he added.
Mr. Gyakye Quayson, reflecting on the initiative’s impact, noted that Ghana is on the right track and celebrated the quality and creativity of local products, specifically highlighting items such as shea butter and unique jewellery made from clay.
He expressed hope for even greater participation in future bazaars, stating, “I’m very hopeful that next year it will even be more climactic, and we’ll be seeing more products.”
The minister emphasised the importance of recognising and valuing local products, encouraging all Ghanaians to embrace their rich cultural heritage.
The fourth Made-in-Ghana Bazaar, themed ‘Championing Economic Diplomacy: Connecting Producers, Markets, and Opportunities’, brought together exhibitors from across Ghana to showcase goods such as cocoa-based items, shea butter, textiles, beverages, cosmetics and crafts.
The Bazaar was organised in collaboration with key institutions, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Association of Ghana Industries.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
