THE AFRICA CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA (AfCFTA).
The Trade and Exhibition show was organized by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), now Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and MasterCard Foundation Young Africa Works Project in partnership with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). Prior to the arrival of the dignitaries, a cultural troupe from the Centre for National Culture (CNC) gave out a magnificent cultural display. The program commenced with an opening prayer by Rev. Dr. Michael Owusu Tagoe to usher the activities into the hands of the Almighty God.
Mr. Amoasi, the MC for the program introduced all the dignitaries present. Among them is the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Acheampong who was the Special Guest of Honor for the occasion. The MCE for New Juabeng South welcomed all the participants and thanked them for making time out their busy schedule to attend the show. The Chairperson for the program, Nene Sakite (Konor of Manya Krobo) was introduced by Mrs. Josephine Darkoa.
PURPOSE /OBJECTIVE
The objectives for the show was to create a platform for artisans within Eastern Region to showcase their products to the world in order to widen their market space.
METHOD OF PROGRAM DELIVERY
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
The Representative on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer for Ghana Enterprises Agency delivered a speech by encouraging the participants to continuously build their capacity in their various field of operation and also urged them all to use this opportunity to network among themselves for future business transaction. He again entreated the participants to disseminate the goals and objectives of Ghana Enterprises Agency to other MSMEs who are not clients of GEA.
Hon. Michael Okyere Baafi, the Member of Parliament for New Juabeng South spoke about the government commitment and readiness to support MSMEs across the country. Nene Sackitey- Konor of Manya Krobo cut the tape for the inspections of stands to begin.
The dignitaries tour the various stands to ascertain their mode of production, challenges and the way forward to help their businesses grow. Some of the products exhibited at the show includes, Beads, Smocks, Local Sandals, Local drinks {Pito, Sobolo} ceramics, earthenware, bowls, kente, etc.
The Chairperson for the occasion, Nene Sackitey, (the Konor of Manya Krobo) was thankful to the organizers of the program, he also admonished Ghanaians to develop taste for locally manufactured products.
The program came to an end and a vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Mary A. Dankyi and a closing prayer was said by the Chief Imam of Koforidua.