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GEXIM to host “Freedom Market” on March 5
As the nation prepares for the 67th National Independence Day celebration next week in the Eastern Region under the theme “Our Democracy, Our Pride”, the Management of the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) has announced it will be hosting “Freedom Market” on Tuesday March 5, 2024.
“Freedom Market”, a special edition of the Bank’s popular Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Fair dubbed Tuesday Market, to commemorate this year’s edition of Ghana’s independence celebration, is scheduled to take place at the forecourt of the Africa Trade House (next to British Council in Accra) from 8AM to 8PM.
The fair will witness an exhibition of very unique, quality, affordable and authentic Made-In-Ghana products ranging from food and ingredients, beverages, skin and beauty care products, textiles, apparel, garments, leather footwear to slippers and many others.
Commenting on the “Freedom Market”, on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Lawrence Agyinsam, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer responsible for Banking, Ms. Rosemary Beryl Archer, indicated that it is important to promote and showcase the very best of Ghanaian-made products whilst we celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s independence from colonial rule.
“GEXIM has been championing the repositioning of the Ghanaian economy into an export-led one and it has become very necessary in the light of our quest to drive economic development to encourage Ghanaians to consume locally manufactured products and services. The fair provides a platform for the promotion of indigenous Ghanaian products to the general public. When we patronise Ghanaian-made products, it will help to sustain Ghanaian businesses as well as create jobs for Ghanaians”, she emphasised.
The Fair does not only create awareness and promote Ghanaian products but serves as an avenue for businesses to generate revenue from sales of their products to the general public. Over the years, GEXIM has introduced innovative ways to create avenues for revenue generation for the Bank’s clients as well as other producers of Made-In-Ghana products.
President John Dramani Mahama has visited the Akosombo Dam to assess the impact of a fire incident at a substation operated by the Ghana Grid Company.
The fire is reported to have caused the loss of more than 1,000 megawatts from the national power grid, affecting electricity supply in parts of the country.
During the visit, he inspected ongoing restoration works and received briefings from engineers on efforts to restore power. He commended them for what he described as a swift and professional response to the situation.
According to him, the government remains committed to restoring stable electricity supply as quickly as possible.
He added that steps are also being taken to strengthen the resilience of Ghana’s energy infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Ghana Grid Company has not yet provided a detailed timeline for full restoration, but work is ongoing to bring affected systems back on stream.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, says he and his deputy have publicly filed their annual tax returns to demonstrate leadership and encourage compliance among citizens.
In a facebook post, he explained that the move was meant to show that public officials must lead by example when it comes to fulfilling civic duties.
“Leadership must be demonstrated, not declared,” he said.
He commended Ghanaian taxpayers for their continued contribution to national development, noting that tax compliance plays a key role in sustaining government activities.
According to him, paying taxes is both a legal and moral responsibility. He stressed that all citizens, including public officials, professionals, and businesses, are equal before the law and must meet their tax obligations.
He added that tax revenue is essential for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The minister praised the Ghana Revenue Authority for its work, especially during the ongoing Tax and Good Governance Month in April. He said the initiative helps to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance.
He urged the authority to intensify public education and continue reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing compliance costs, and improving transparency.
He further encouraged individuals and businesses that are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, adding that support systems and digital platforms are available to assist them.
He said building a strong tax culture would strengthen the country’s economy, improve accountability, and promote fairness in society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
