Minister Campaigns For Made In Ghana Products

The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dr.Dzifa Abla Gomashie has added her voice to calls on Ghanaians to patronize made in Ghana goods. The deputy minister made the call in a speech at an event dubbed, �Gift ForThe Season� at the Exhibition Hall of the National Theatre Accra recently. Dr. Dzifa Gomashie revealed that the exhibition is to intensify the campaign for made in Ghana products. The deputy minister further appealed to Ghanaians, especially the corporate bodies, to consider selecting gifts from any Ghanaian collection. Dzifa Gomashie, who also purchased a number of sovineurs from the more than 20 exhibitors, assured the exhibitors of the ministry�s preparedness to create the platform for people engaged in the arts and crafts industry. She also mentioned that India and Japanese government, through Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JAICA), among others, diplomatic missions in Ghana continue to build the capacity of persons in the creative industry on standards that meet international markets. The deputy minister however decried the attitude of some artists, who are unable to meet their timelines when they receive orders for their products. The President of the Ghana Association of Visual Artists (GAVA), Franklyn Clover, commended the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for exhibiting their products. The president called for credit facilities from financial institutions and other agencies to help them improve their work, as well as expand their businesses. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Everything Bamboo, Jennifer Brock said her organization sources funding from COTVET/SDF to provide training and entrepreneurial skills development for the youth in more than 20 communities in the country. The CEO reiterated that the bamboo industry, like other creative industries, would create employment, as well as generate foreign exchange for the country.