REPORT ON THE SECOND EDITION OF THE CENTRAL REGIONAL TRADE EXPO, 2023

The central regional Expo 2023, an event year marked to showcase the great resources of small and major businesses in the Central Region of Ghana and attract investors from all walks of life took off from August 25^{th –} 2^nd September, 2023. This year’s Trade Expo 2023 was organized by the Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC) in collaboration with TIAST Group West Africa at the Adisadel College School Park to showcase the rich variety of goods and services in the Region. This saw businesses and industries from the twenty-two (22) Metropolitan Municipal District Assembly’s (MMDA’s) in the region making several displays of its rich resources and culture. This year’s fair’s theme was on “Sustaining Business Opportunities: Nurturing Small-Scale Enterprise in Central Region”.

Opening Ceremony

The Ceremony was graced by the various Metropolitan Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCE’s), Cooperate Institutions, Security Agencies, Traditional Rulers from the various Paramountcy’s and Religious Leaders in the Region. Dr. John Hawkins Asiedu, who is the Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Trade and Industry delivered a speech on behalf of the Minister for Trade and Industry, Honourable K.T. Hammond at the ceremony. He said over the years the Region has received tremendous support from the government and overwhelming responses from the private sector. He further on highlighted on governments commitment to sustaining the growth of businesses at both regional and district levels.

The central Regional Minister, Honourable Justina Marigold Assan in her purpose of fair speech, said that the goal of this year’s fair is to stimulate economic activities in different areas of the region and beyond, focus on the development of agro businesses and harness its potential. She commended the efforts of the CRCC for partnering with TIAST Group West Africa from China, which specializes in Health, information technology and Agriculture. She concluded encouraging young individuals to take advantage of whatever means available to projecting their ideas (businesses) and becoming self-reliant.

Also at the Ceremony, President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefuo Amoako Boadu VIII called for sustenance in the growth of businesses. He asked for collaboration and partnership amongst the various districts, businesses and individuals gathered at the ceremony. He entreated investors both foreign and local to do their best to support growing enterprises in the region as such will boost national development and create job avenues for the growing youth in and around the region.

After these remarks the President for the Central House of Chief, the chairman for TIAST Group West Africa, Mr. Henhui Chen, expressed his utmost joy of being part of this year’s Trade Expo, 2023. He revealed China’s support to helping the Ghanaian economy and most importantly small business enterprises to reach international standards as it is the map to national development. He said it this vision that, TIAST Group West Africa is partnering with CRCC to unearthing business potentials and great minds in the region.

In furtherance of the ceremony, Professor Samuel Ato Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of COA research and Manufacturing Company who happened to be the Guest Speaker, pledged support to helping the Central Region attain a better posture in the area of business growth and development by working with relevant stakeholders in nurturing small businesses in the region.

Omanhene for the Ogua Traditional Area, Osaberima Kwesi Atta II, who chaired the ceremony urged investors to invest the youth and businesses.

The expo proceeded with touring of stands displayed by the various MMDA’S and individuals in and around the region by the dignitaries.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Twifo/Ati-Morkwa District Assembly, Hon. Robert Agyemang-Nyatakyi took the opportunity to introduce officials to the district’s rich potentials and items at its display stand. Items such as local soaps from Yewodze and Anidaso, Leather works from Eric Ventures, Beads from Esthers bead works, Poultry (Turkey) from Ishmen Ventures, Palm wine from Palmee and Oil from Agye Nyame Palm Oil were on display with much admiration from Odeefuo Amoako Buadu VIII who expressed great pleasure in the display of products.

Other displays were visited by the DCE, Hon Robert Agyemang-Nyatakyi and the rest of the dignitaries.