By Makiza Micheline Latifa
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has reaffirmed its commitment to make Made-in-Ghana products a central feature of the country’s diplomatic and trade engagements abroad. Speaking at the opening of the 4th Made-in-Ghana Bazaar in Accra, Deputy Minister James Gyekye Quayson said Ghana’s missions across the world are being repositioned as trade and investment hubs to create new opportunities for local businesses.
“Every mission, every engagement, and every official platform abroad is being leveraged to promote Made-in-Ghana. Our embassies are now trade and investment hubs, connecting producers to buyers and partners around the world,” he said.
The three-day exhibition, taking place at the Accra International Conference Centre, is being held under the theme “Championing Economic Diplomacy: Connecting Producers, Markets and Opportunities.” The event brings together government officials, entrepreneurs, investors, and members of the diplomatic community.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Trade and Industry Sampson Ahi urged Ghanaian producers to treat the bazaar as a launchpad into regional and global markets.
“This bazaar is not just a showcase of our creativity, it is a launchpad for Ghanaian businesses to scale up and compete in global markets. We must seize this opportunity to diversify our exports and expand our presence internationally,” he said.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described the bazaar as a vital tool for job creation and national pride.
“By prioritising Made-in-Ghana, we are not only empowering local industries but also building an economy that is self-reliant and globally competitive. This is how we create sustainable jobs and safeguard our future,” he said.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Zita Benson, also underscored the importance of Ghana’s diplomatic missions in linking local producers with international buyers.
“Our embassies are actively engaging with buyers and investors. In the UK, we are opening new doors for Ghanaian products, especially in textiles, agro-processing, and the creative industries. The bazaar provides the perfect platform to connect with global markets,” she said.
Exhibitors welcomed the opportunity, many describing the bazaar as a chance to push their brands to a wider audience. Cherelle, a proudly Made-in-Ghana chocolate brand, expressed optimism that the bazaar would help secure contracts with international buyers and put Ghanaian cocoa-based products on premium global shelves. Others in fashion and crafts shared similar hopes, noting that the presence of diplomats, investors, and distributors under one roof offers them unprecedented access to markets abroad.
The Made-in-Ghana Bazaar is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in partnership with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, the Ghana Free Zones Authority, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Ghana Trade Fair Company. It forms part of Ghana’s broader economic diplomacy agenda, which includes initiatives such as the Investment Opportunities Mapping Project and the Ghana Diplomatic Investment Drive.
Through these efforts, Ghana is seeking to make its diplomatic presence not just about politics and protocol, but a practical tool for trade promotion, investment attraction, and global partnerships.
The exhibition runs until Sunday, September 7, at the Accra International Conference Centre.