3rd GrEEn trade show ends in Takoradi
The 3rd GrEEn regional trade show to showcase the trade and economic potentials of small scale enterprises in Ghana ended in Takoradi, the Western Regional capital.
It was held on the theme; ‘Sustainable trade and investment, the future of Ghanaian economy.’
The event also highlighted that Ghanaian entrepreneurs, private-public sector, can collaborate and also take the commanding heights of the economy in the face of globalisation.
The 68 businesses across agri-food, energy and water sectors exhibited their green and eco-friendly products ranging from food, cosmetics and solar-powered gadgets.
Project Manager of the GrEEn project, Laouali Sadda said by supporting local businesses at this three-day GrEEn regional trade show, SNV and other partners were guaranteeing a green future for the Western Region, Ghana and the world at large.
He said boosting green employment and enterprise opportunities in Ghana, popularly, known as the “GrEEn Project” was funded by the European Union (EU) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana.
According to him, the project was been implemented by SNV Ghana and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) since 2019.
Mr Sadda explained that, the GrEEn Project aimed to support the growth of green, climate resilient and sustainable businesses, including providing skills development to youth in the Ashanti and Western regions.
Mr Sadda said the GrEEn Project and the GrEEn innovation challenge had provide financial support to businesses with innovative ideas and awarded over GH¢3 million to sustain local businesses.
“At SNV, we strongly believe that supporting indigenous sustainable enterprises and communities to cultivate climate resilience is a way to mitigating the effects of climate change on livelihoods,” he added.
The Regional Manager, Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Albert Ababio said the association was capable of producing “our own goods, feed the local economy and ensure we grow wealth in-country.”
The Regional Manager, Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), Isaac Yankson noted that sustainability of the green innovation would depend on how the products became part of the consumption pattern through trade promotion, such as the trade show.
He said investment in green systems of production had become very critical in sustaining the environment.
“Report worldwide investment in renewable energy 2004-2023 indicates that amount of funding provided for clean energy worldwide has steadily increased in 2004, clean energy investment totalled $32 million and increased to $495 billion in 2022,” Mr Yankson said.
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TAKORADI
