play videoDeputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Robert Ahomka-Lindsay
In a bid to project Ghanaian businesses on the global stage, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has launched a national trade information portal known as ‘Ghana Market Hub’.
The Market Hub will ensure that goods and services originating from or traded in Ghana are designed, manufactured and supplied in a sustainable manner that conforms to market requirements
Read full articleas well as those of the regulatory authorities in the local and export markets.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘Ghana Market Hub’, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Robert Ahomka-Lindsay noted that although there are great opportunities for Ghanaian businesses to trade across borders they are not taking advantage.
He said, “If you look at some of the indicators around the world that talks about how easy it is for Ghanaian businesses to do business across borders we’re not doing very well. In fact, if you look at our doing business ranking, the worst ranking we have is trading across borders. It is very difficult for businesses in Ghana to do business with anybody else outside”.
He said the paperless port system is one of government’s move to help resolve that challenge adding that the Market Hub will also help with that by making it easier for exporters to operate.
Mr Ahomka-Lindsay challenged GEPA to ensure that the portal is always functional and easy to understand so people do not stop visiting it for information.
He pledged the Trade and Industry Ministry’s support to ensure that the Market Hub does not become “a dormant portal but extremely active”.
Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Gifty Kekeli Klenam noted that the launch of the ‘Ghana Market Hub’ is a signal to the world that Ghana is opened for business across borders.
She said, “As we expect export numbers to grow to $10 billion, we believe there has never been a better time to create the much-needed visibility to the world on export information and opportunities in Ghana, showcasing our exporters in good standing to the world and opening Ghana businesses up to more possibilities”.
The portal is expected to address the primary needs of exporters by providing competitor analysis reports and potential markets for products. It will also allow buyers/importers access to exporters through the availability of an online directory from Ghana.
The UNIDO Trade Capacity Building Programme ensured that the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) sponsored GEPA to establish the Market Hub. The support was focused on helping GEPA upgrade and improve its services and maintain its relevance to the exporter community.
In its initial stage, the Market Hub will present relevant market information on four selected value chains; cocoa, fish, fruits & vegetables and wood.
Exporters can access the portal on www.ghanastradinghub.gov.gh
