Trades Minister Dr. Ekow Spio Garbrah welcomes Ghana Advertisers Association
Ghana’s Minister for Trades and Industry Dr. Ekow Spio Garbrah welcomes a delegation from the Ghana Advertisers Association [GAA] at his office
GAA’s purpose of the visit was to officially congratulate Dr. Spio on his assumption into office as the Trades and Industry machinery of the government and to also introduce to him their newly inducted executives and council members.
The visit affords both parties the opportunity to deliberate on certain issues concerning the conduct of business in the country. The Minister indicated that foreigners can engage in retail trading in Ghana but under certain conditions.
He pointed out that the Ghana Investment Promotion Center [GIPC] Act 865 prevents expatriates from undertaking petty trading in designated markets rather than retail trading as been wrongly interpreted by the public.
Dr. Ekow Spio blamed the media for not reporting accurately and sufficiently on what the GIPC ACT 865 stipulated and therefore creating wrong perceptions and understanding on the side of Ghanaian traders.
Dr. Ekow Spio explained that the law allowed foreigners to trade within the country provided they can afford a US$ 1 million in both goods and cash to be ascertained by customs clearance forms certified by the central bank.
The Minister also touched on the need for local businesses to promote the made in Ghana goods and services campaign been driven by the government. He noted that government through his Ministry would embark on vigorous campaign nationwide, more than it has been done before to ensure the success of the initiative.
He announced that a committee has already been put in place to oversee the implementation and success of the campaign and he was of the conviction that the committee made up of communication and advertising professionals will justify the hope reposed in them.
The made in Ghana goods and services campaign according to Dr. Ekow Spio Garbrah will not be a nine day wonder but will be vigorously embarked upon by the current and future administrations.’’ Made in Ghana goods promotion is intended to outlast the Mahama led Government and hopefully it will be maintained by future regimes’’.
