Ministry of Foreign Affairs launches 4th Made-in-Ghana Bazaar
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has launched the 4th edition of the Made-in-Ghana Bazaar to promote locally manufactured products and services to the global market.
The event, which was launched in Accra last Friday, is scheduled to take place from September 5 to 7 this year, at the Accra International Conference Centre on the theme:
“Championing Economic Diplomacy: Connecting Producers, Markets, and Opportunities”.
It is aimed at supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), fostering economic partnerships, and strengthening the country’s export base through diplomatic channels.
Economic Diplomacy, Policy Reforms
At the launch, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the event formed part of the ministry’s broader economic diplomacy strategy to drive visibility for made-in-Ghana goods and services.
He said this year’s theme aligned with the government’s industrialisation agenda and initiatives such as the 24-hour economy, the Feed Ghana programme, and accelerated export development.
Mr Ablakwa outlined five new policy measures instituted by the ministry to deepen its commitment to the Made-in-Ghana drive.
These include the introduction of key performance indicators (KPIs) for ambassadors that prioritise the promotion of made-in-Ghana products, mandatory celebration of national days by Ghana’s diplomatic missions featuring Ghanaian goods, and the exclusive use of Ghanaian food and beverages at all ministry-hosted state events.
Local support
The Minister of Foreign Affairs said humanitarian donations by the ministry would now consist solely of made-in-Ghana products, citing a recent donation of Ghana-made chocolate to Palestine through the Jordan Corridor as an example.
Mr Ablakwa further announced that procurement processes within the ministry now give priority to capable Ghanaian-owned companies, referencing the recent selection of Ghana Post and a local courier firm for the ministry’s passport delivery service as part of efforts to support local enterprise.
“We are demonstrating that when we talk about Made in Ghana, it is not empty rhetoric. It is a deeply embedded policy direction,” he said.
Stakeholders, commendation
He lauded the efforts of stakeholders and sponsors, including the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Free Zones Authority, Ghana Exim Bank, Twellium Industrial Company, ATL, Woodin, and the Ghana Standards Authority, for supporting the initiative.
The minister encouraged more businesses to partner the ministry to enhance the promotion of local products through Ghana’s diplomatic missions.
He also emphasised the ministry’s commitment to policy continuity, that the Made-in-Ghana Bazaar, an initiative started under the previous government, had been sustained and improved.
“We are proud to continue what is in the national interest. That is how we change the narrative,” he said.
