Ghana-made products will take centre stage at a two-day exhibition in London this weekend, as the country makes a drive to expand its export market.
Organised by Ghana UK-Based Achievement (GUBA) Awards, a non-profit awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of Ghanaians living in Britain, the GUBA Expo 2014 will be a two-part business-centred event: seminars and workshops on supply procedures for companies in the UK, and an exhibition of products by Ghanaian small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The organisers believe that the interactions between exhibitors and buyers from UK companies will present a great opportunity for Ghanaian manufacturers to get an invaluable insight into how things are done in the UK – thus improving the chances of Ghanaian SMEs in the mainstream UK market.
“These SMEs will gain access to industry experts who will share knowledge and advice on achieving industry-set benchmarks. The event will also feature exhibitions, networking and invaluable workshops,” the organisers say.
The GUBA Expo is coming at a time when the major supermarkets in the UK are increasingly stocking African food and drinks to tap not just the UK-based African market but also members of the wider British population who have been to the continent and sampled its cuisine and alcoholic beverages.
Clothes, accessories, furniture and cosmetics will also be on display. Tesco, the UK’s number one supermarket, has been a leader in stocking African products.
Dentaa Amoateng, Founder of GUBA Awards, said: “The Expo is important, as currently in Ghana we import more then we export and it is an opportunity for Ghana to sell its products in the UK market.
“We have had a positive reaction so far. People are really excited about attending the event for a number of reasons: to learn about how to market their products and how to package them well for the big giants.
“Others are excited to see what Ghana has to offer,” Ms Amoateng added.
The organisers say they have the backing of Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, who they said would attend the Expo, which will take place at English League Championship club Charlton Athletic, in South East London.
Apart from celebrating Ghanaian achievements in the UK, GUBA Awards also acknowledges the services of UK-based organisations to Ghanaians in the UK and Ghana.
The GUBA Awards are in their third year and the plan is to extend the programme to the wider African community in the UK.
Credit: GNA
