Anglogold Ashanti committed to revamping local economy at Obuasi Trade Show
More than one hundred exhibitors in Obuasi are participating in the 2022 edition of the Client Exhibition and Trade Show to promote made-in-Ghana products.
The trade show is expected to provide an interconnected avenue for small, and medium enterprises to interact with one another, showcase their products and foster partnerships.
The annual trade show is part of a 10-year socioeconomic plan development launched by Anglogold Ashanti to restore and revamp the Obuasi local economy.
Exhibitors from diverse industries, including hairdressing, fashion designing, agro-processing, leather and shoe making displayed their products eagerly awaiting patronage.
Sustainability Manager at Anglogold Ashanti-Obuasi Mine, Emmanuel Baidoo says the exhibition show is to facilitate.
“The Obuasi Trade Show has been one of the flagship enterprise activities of Anglogold that we have consistently implemented. The trade show is to bring people who have entrepreneurial abilities and those who have the potential of accessing these products. This is to drive sales,” he said.
Emmanuel Baidoo also revealed the mining company has committed over 1 million Ghana cedis to the reclamation of a site for the establishment of an industrial park.
According to him, the facility is aimed at boosting economic growth and development in Obuasi.
“The industrial park at the Eastern Turner Shaft (ETS) will have manufacturing hub and some residential facilities for the university students,” he said.
The trade show was organized in collaboration with the National Board for Small Scale Industries and the Obuasi Municipal and Obuasi East District Assemblies.
Senior Advisor at the Ashanti regional directorate of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Enoch Tsidzi reiterated calls for patronage of Ghana Made goods.
“The Ministry is always elated to see a trade show of this kind, showcasing the potentials of manufacturers in the country. The interventions of the ministry and the Ghana Enterprises Agency will become a mirage if Ghanaians do not patronize made in Ghana products which could match any product in terms of quality,” he said.
Some exhibitors explained the trade has enchanted their customer base, with some patrons making purchases from different parts of the country.
“Due to this program we have been going to some places including Accra and Takoradi trade fairs. The NBSSI and Anglogold Ashanti sponsored us. Through this program, we get a lot of people coming around to make some purchases. They always come back and tell us good stuff about our products they used,” Patrick Opoku of Home Sweet Legumes and Cereals company said.
The trade show is on the theme, “Diversifying the economy of Obuasi through trade promotion”.