The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has officially inaugurated the newly constituted boards of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Import-Export (Exim) Bank, and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), charging them to work diligently towards realising President John Dramani Mahama’s economic vision for Ghana.
Speaking during a brief but significant ceremony held at the Ministry’s conference hall in Accra, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare emphasised the urgent need to transform Ghana into a competitive export-driven economy.
She urged the newly sworn-in board members to embrace their mandate with seriousness and focus on leveraging strategic frameworks, particularly the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to promote Ghana’s economic interests beyond its borders.
“In line with the vision of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, we are determined to shift Ghana from a largely import-dependent economy to one that thrives on exports. This means we must build the structures and standards that allow Ghanaian businesses to compete globally,” she said.
The minister particularly underscored the role of the Ghana Standards Authority in this transformation, stating that the Authority must step up its efforts to ensure that all local production meets established quality benchmarks. She cited concerns about what she described as “soft standard products” on the market and called for stronger regulatory oversight to protect Ghanaian consumers and enhance the reputation of Ghana-made goods internationally.
“Standards are not optional. They are the bedrock of a functioning trade and industrial economy. The Ghana Standards Authority must ensure strict compliance across all sectors. We must build consumer confidence at home and credibility abroad,” Hon. Ofosu-Adjare noted.
Congratulating the new board members of the three key institutions under her Ministry, the Minister expressed optimism about their capacity to deliver results. She reminded them of the trust reposed in them by the President and called on them to work collaboratively and uphold the highest levels of professionalism.
“I have no doubt that the calibre of persons appointed to these boards brings a wealth of experience, commitment, and integrity. You are being called to serve at a crucial time in our nation’s economic journey, and I urge you to deliver in a manner that meets the expectations of the people of Ghana and the vision of the President,” she said.
Mr. Akwasi Opong-Fosu, Dr Joseph Nyarkotei Dorh and Hudu Mugtari, chairmen of the board of the GIPC, Ghana Exim Bank and Ghana Standard Authority, respectively, commended the president, H.E. John Mahama, for appointing them to spearhead the various boards and pledged to work with every member of the board to deliver their mandate.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare reiterated her Ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary support to the institutions and their boards, affirming, “We are partners in building Ghana’s future. Let us work together to ensure that this vision becomes a reality.”
