District Level Sensitization on National Export Development Strategy Kicks off in Koforidua

GEPA has been tasked as lead implementing agency of the National Export Development Strategy – the blueprint document intended to move Ghana towards an industrialised economy and achieve Usd25.3billion in non-traditional export earnings by 2029.

 The effective implementation of the 10-year strategy involves an active collaboration of stakeholders in both the public and private sector. The ongoing Capacity Enhancement Programme at the Capital View Hotel, Koforidua had in attendance the Hon. Herbert Krapa, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry who officially opened the programme.

 Other significant persons at the event included, Mr. Albert Kassim Diwura, Deputy CEO HR/Admin, GEPA, representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, partner Agencies and small hold businesses from the farming and processing sectors in the Eastern Region.

 For this pilot session, participants were grouped into two cohorts to discuss challenges related to resource inputs, marketing, funding issues and proposed solutions in the areas of Vegetable cultivation and Food Processing – specifically Gari and Palm Oil processing.

 Resource persons who steered the animated interactions included Representatives from the National AfCFTA Coordination Office, the Plant Protection and Regulatory Dept of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana Standards Authority, Food & Drugs Authority, Ghana EXIM Bank, National Development Planning Commission, Sustainability Global, Local Authorities and  Regional Directors of GEPA.

 It is expected that all Regions nationwide will have the opportunity to experience these engaging sessions at the District level. Farmer Associations, SMEs and Local Government Agencies should be on the lookout for these sessions to discover progressive ways of exporting.