Henry Bruce proposes African Reserve Unit for trade settlement

GEPA launches Accra Trade House to promote local products

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has officially launched the Accra Trade House and the Friday Market initiative to enhance the domestic and international visibility of Made-in-Ghana products. The launch, which took place on October 23, 2026, at the Africa Trade House in Accra, marks a significant step in the authority’s strategy to bridge the gap between local producers and potential buyers. These initiatives are designed to provide a dedicated physical space for indigenous enterprises to showcase their goods, fostering a culture of patronizing locally manufactured items. The Accra Trade House is intended to serve as a permanent hub for high-quality Ghanaian products, ranging from processed foods and textiles to handcrafted artisanal goods. Complementing this is the Friday Market, a recurring event aimed at driving foot traffic and immediate sales for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By centralizing these businesses within the heart of the capital, GEPA aims to reduce the marketing barriers often faced by local entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform that meets international standards for exhibition and trade. The initiative has received strong backing from other state agencies, including the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), which praised GEPA for its proactive approach to trade facilitation. The collaboration between these agencies highlights a unified government effort to strengthen the local economy and reduce reliance on imports. Stakeholders at the launch emphasized that such platforms are essential for preparing Ghanaian businesses to compete more effectively under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework by improving product presentation and market readiness. Beyond immediate sales, the Accra Trade House is expected to facilitate business-to-business (B2B) connections that could lead to long-term export contracts. GEPA's focus on creating sustainable market opportunities aligns with the broader national goal of industrialization and economic diversification. Moving forward, the authority plans to use these initiatives as a blueprint for similar regional hubs, ensuring that the benefits of expanded market access reach producers across the country.