Accra: The government is set to revive the Made-in-Ghana Fair to promote the local beverage industry and strengthen the visibility of Ghanaian brands. The initiative is expected to boost local production and expand market access for Ghanaian beverages.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, made this announcement at the 10th Ghana Beverage Awards in Accra, representing President John Dramani Mahama. The event was held under the theme 'A Toast to Ten,' underscoring a decade of achievements in the beverage sector.
The Minister emphasized that the revival of the fair would promote local products and enhance the image of Ghanaian brands both locally and internationally. She highlighted the beverage industry's pivotal role in the economy, supporting sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality. "This industry plays a vital role in Ghana's economic development, creating jobs and supporting livelihoods," she stated.
Mrs. Ofosu-Agyare reiterated the government's commitment to the sector's growth, noting its resilience and potential. She mentioned initiatives such as the 'Feed the Industry' programme, designed to strengthen linkages between local agriculture and beverage manufacturing. The minister encouraged industry players to improve product quality and expand their presence in the global market.
Furthermore, she revealed the government's consideration of an Agribusiness Policy aimed at promoting value addition and providing a framework for business expansion. This policy is expected to create an enabling environment for the growth of the agribusiness sector.
Mr. Ernest Boateng, Chief Executive Officer of Global Media Alliance, urged industry players to adopt emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance operations. He noted, "AI has the potential to revolutionize how we operate, from predicting customer needs to improving product quality and operational efficiency." The adoption of AI tools is anticipated to help businesses anticipate market trends and better understand consumer preferences.