By
Emmanuel Todd/Victoria Asante, GNA
Accra, Jan. 22, GNA
– The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has pledged its support for the
24th Ghana International Trade Fair (GITF), which is scheduled for
Tamale from February 27 to March 8, 2020.
The Fair, to be held
at the Aliu Mahama Stadium, would host about 600 exhibitors.
Dr Owusu Afriyie
Akoto, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, made this pledge in a speech read
on his behalf during the launch of the Fair in Accra, on the theme: “Value
Addition Trading Globally”.
The theme is in line
with government’s agenda to transform the agriculture industry leading to
economic growth for job creation and higher income for the populace.
Dr Akoto said the
need to add value to products was a priority to sustain productivity and growth
in the sector.
“Value added to
products comes with lots of benefits, which include increased shelf-life,
reduced post-harvest losses and increased incomes,” he said.
The Trade and
Exhibition Fair would also expose investors and potential ones to the
opportunities that abounded in the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors to
boost the economic transformation agenda, the Minister said.
Dr Agnes Adu, the
Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, said the Company had
created the platform to promote value added products and also connect local
industries to international partners.
She said the fair
would expose Northern Ghana to the local and international business communities
as a viable business destination.
“Most fairs have
been held in Accra but this initiative is to open up the Northern market to
potential investors across the globe and neighbouring countries,” she said.
Dr Adu said the Fair
was in collaboration with MOFA, which was at the forefront of giving policy
direction and education on value addition in the agricultural sector.
She said the
partnership would help farmers within the northern sector to familiarize with
government’s initiatives and take advantage of them to enhance agriculture.
This includes the
‘Planting for Food and Jobs,’ which covers planting for export and rural
development, rearing for food and jobs, agricultural mechanisation, green house
production technology and other investment opportunities.
She said the Company
had partnered the State Transport Company (STC) to help transport exhibitors
and logistics to the venue.
For the first time
all exhibitors would be insured under an insurance cover by the SIC Insurance
Company.
Dr Adu called on
corporate Ghana to get on board and sponsor the Fair to make it successful and
memorable.
She extended her
gratitude to the Board of MOFA, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, exhibitors
and all stakeholders for their various contributions and efforts towards the
success of the Fair.
GNA