New scheme for local industries

Published in the Daily Graphic on 24/12/2009, pg 35

Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ministry of Trade and Industry is to introduce a new scheme for local industries to facilitate the promotion of locally manufactured goods.
The new scheme, known as the National Consumer Credit Scheme, is to ensure that manufacturers comply with the needs of consumers as well as enhance the credit given to made-in-Ghana goods.
This was made known by the Director of Domestic Trade and Distribution of the ministry, Mr Ben Peasah, at the launch of the Made-In-Ghana Magazine in Accra.
He said the scheme was also expected to enhance the standard of locally manufactured goods on the international market.
"The scheme will ensure that consumers are satisfied with the services of manufacturers. It will, therefore, enhance the rights of a consumer to be compensated if he is not satisfied with goods purchased over a period of time," he said.
Mr Peasah indicated that the scheme, which was expected to be introduced next year, would be first piloted in Accra to ensure its effectiveness before extending it to the other parts of the country.
He further stated that the Made-In-Ghana Magazine would complement the work of the ministry, since it would encourage local manufacturers to boost their capabilities to compete on the international market.
The Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of the magazine, Mr Emmanuel Adamitey, noted that the publication was initiated when his attention was drawn to the fact that locally manufactured goods were of better quality than some of the imported products.
He said Ghana would do better on the international market if the manufacture of local goods was promoted and patronised on a large scale.
He said the magazine sought to co-ordinate information flow and operations between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and local manufacturers.
He said it would offer measures and publicity campaigns to encourage Ghanaians to patronise made-in-Ghana goods and services.
Mr Adamitey further stated that the magazine targeted industries and individuals who were interested in manufacturing and promoting made-in-Ghana goods.
"The magazine is a platform to articulate the concerns of the trade industry in Ghana. It will also promote our locally manufactured products to the world so that we can perform on the international market,” he stated.
An industrialist and chairperson for the occasion, Mr Robert Akwesi Kwakye Nketia, expressed the hope that the magazine would serve as a platform to sensitise Ghanaians to promote locally manufactured goods to develop the nation.
The magazine contains information on all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fabrics and fashion, minerals, plastic products, oil, property development, technology, wood, art and craft, as well as travel and tourism.
It also contains adverts on locally manufactured goods.