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Volta Regional minister commends GEXIM for prioritising SMEs
The Volta Regional Minister, Honourable Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, has commended the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) for prioritizing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) over the years.
The Minister further lauded the Bank for providing various forms of support to Ghanaian businesses over the years, including loans, capacity building and advisory services.
The Minister expressed his appreciation to GEXIM for replicating its popular Tuesday Market in the Volta region which is titled the Volta Western Weekend.
“I am excited to be here at the opening ceremony of the Volta Weekend Market taking place in Ho, from today to Saturday,” he said.
He added the three-day fair presented an opportunity for SMEs in the region to showcase their products for patronage and also get feedback on how to enhance their products for a wider market.
” It is also to help take these products into the international market. We hope to have more opportunities for Ghanaian businesses in various sectors across the Volta region going forward to help them scale up and move to the next level”, he emphasized.
Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa was speaking at the opening ceremony of the “Volta Weekend Market” at Ho Bankoe (Movie Street) on Thursday 26th September 2024. The “Volta Weekend Market” took place from 26th to 28th September 2024 and coincided with the 2024 celebration of the annual Yam Festival by the Asogli State.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo in his remarks highlighted that the government considers the SME sector as a key contributor to economic growth and stated some initiatives introduced by the government over the years.
“The government is committed to growing the SME sector and this is evident with the recent launch of the SME Growth and Opportunities Programme by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other government agencies and partners. This has been followed up with a sensitization exercise across the country. The fair by GEXIM, a strategic partner in this initiative, presents an opportunity to further engage SMEs in the region”, he added.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM responsible for Banking, Ms. Rosemary Beryl Archer, indicated that the “The Volta Weekend Market” is a platform created by the Bank for SMEs across the Volta region and other Ghanaian entrepreneurs in neighboring regions to showcase carefully selected top-quality and uniquely packaged Made-In-Ghana products.
In fact, this is the region’s biggest fair exclusively for Made-In-Ghana products and services.
“We have over fifty Ghanaian entrepreneurs with unique products participating in this three-day fair. Some of the very unique, and authentic products being exhibited at unbeatable prices include food and ingredients, beverages, skin and beauty care products, textiles, apparel, garments, leather footwear, slippers, and many others,” she stated.
As a leading Policy and Development Bank, the Ghana Export – Import Bank has over the years made significant interventions and given support to Ghanaian businesses in various priority sectors of the economy. In the last seven years, the Bank has made a deliberate attempt to provide various forms of support to Ghanaian SMEs.
Government Communicator , Dr Sammy Ayeh, has defended the decision to recall Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal, amid public debate over alleged vote buying issues linked to the Ayawaso contest.
Dr Ayeh dismissed suggestions that the recall should be compared to the case of Hajia Amina Adam, who has been mentioned by some commentators as a government appointee.
He argued that the comparison does not hold because the two roles are not the same.
He questioned claims that Hajia Amina Adam serves on three boards, stating that only the Hajj Board has been publicly identified.
He indicated that there was no clear evidence to support assertions that she holds multiple board positions.
According to Dr Ayeh, Baba Jamal’s former position as High Commissioner carried a different level of responsibility.
He explained that a high commissioner represents the President and Ghana’s image abroad, which he described as distinct from board membership.
He maintained that the recall should therefore not be interpreted as unfair or inconsistent treatment.
In his view, the nature of Baba Jamal’s diplomatic role justified separate consideration.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, has expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s democratic process as the country prepares for its elections.
Mr Akufo Addo, who is serving as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group in Bangladesh, noted that the polls present an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to mark a new phase in their democratic journey.
He described the moment as significant for the country’s political future.
He expressed hope that the elections would be conducted peacefully across the country. According to him, a calm and orderly process would reflect the commitment of citizens to democratic values.
Mr Akufo Addo indicated that he would welcome an atmosphere of enthusiasm and unity during the exercise.
He referred to comments suggesting the possibility of a festive election and stated that such an environment would be encouraging.
In his view, a successful and peaceful election would send a strong message to the international community, particularly within South Asia and Southeast Asia.
He emphasized that it would demonstrate Bangladesh’s determination to pursue a democratic future.
The Commonwealth Observer Group is in Bangladesh to monitor the electoral process and assess its credibility, transparency, and adherence to democratic standards.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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