The 10th edition of the ‘This is Ghana Exhibition’, organised by Channel One TV and Citi FM, opened on Saturday at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra with over 160 Ghanaian businesses showcasing locally made products and services.
The two-day trade fair highlighted innovation in sectors such as agribusiness, fashion, health, technology, food, and education.
Patrons were also treated to authentic Ghanaian cuisine, traditional beverages, and a ‘grills village’ serving freshly prepared delicacies.
The exhibition also included a dedicated Kids’ Corner for families, along with live music and cultural performances that showcased Ghana’s rich heritage.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, General Manager of Citi FM and Channel One TV, Bernard Avle, explained that the initiative was designed to move Ghana’s economy beyond dependence on raw material exports and promote value-added production.
“ ‘This is Ghana’ because we are in Ghana. We have to eat Ghana, wear Ghana, and drink Ghana. Economic development is not just about policies; it’s also about markets.
That’s why we’ve brought over 160 businesses together to showcase the value they have added,” he said.
He stressed that exhibitions such as ‘This is Ghana’ provide visibility and opportunities for local businesses to expand into bigger markets, including non-traditional exports.
“We cannot continue importing everything as a country. To transform our economy, we need to move away from exporting raw materials and support companies that are adding value—whether in shea butter, leather, food, or technology,” he added.
Since its inception in 2015, the Exhibition has grown into a platform that connects producers with consumers, offering not just sales opportunities but also long-term partnerships.
Citi FM/Channel One TV supports the initiative with extensive on-air promotion and interviews to give local businesses free publicity.
Bernard Avle noted that several companies that once started small at the exhibition have grown into national brands, with some even exporting their products abroad.
“Our role as a media house is to bring people together, give them visibility, and support economic transformation.
Development is also a conversation, and this exhibition is one way we keep that conversation alive,” he said.
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), a sponsor of the exhibition, stressed the importance of the event in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which constitute about 90 per cent of Ghana’s businesses.
According to Nelly Joana Spio Ababioo, Head of Industrial Arts and Craft at GEPA, many SMEs reflect the true potential of Ghana’s goods and services but often lack the right platforms and tools to scale up for export.
She noted that GEPA’s presence at the exhibition was aimed at providing support, connecting businesses to opportunities, and preparing them for the international market.
Ms. Spio Ababioo added that GEPA leverages the ‘This is Ghana’ platform as part of its product development and training process, offering exhibitors guidance on how to meet global standards.
Another sponsor of the exhibition, Syde Hassle Project, commended Channel One TV and Citi FM for sustaining the This is Ghana initiative.
Founder of the Syde Hassle Project, Elorm Foli, described the fair as a “brilliant idea” that continues to provide opportunities for businesses and young people.
Mr. Foli noted that one measure of the exhibition’s success is the eagerness of sponsors to consistently support it.
“The first time we came on board was two years ago. Last year, we couldn’t participate, but this year, once we were called, we were more than eager to join,” he said.
Among the exhibitors was Nutri-Smart Ventures, which produces natural sweeteners and healthy food products.
Its flagship products, date syrup and date powder, are marketed as alternatives to refined sugar, suitable for both diabetics and health-conscious consumers.
The company also produces date-sweetened granola, roasted cashew nuts, and natural bitter cocoa.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nutri-Smart Ventures, Ernestina Amo-Mensah, shared that they participated in previous editions of the ‘This is Ghana’ Exhibition and continue to return because of the exposure and opportunities it provides.
“Last year’s event was very good for us. We had more sales and greater visibility. That’s why we’re back again—to reach more people, promote our products, and expand our market,” she said.
Another exhibitor, Constance Ntifafa Dorwu of Grow It All Company Limited, highlighted her company’s focus on processing and packaging locally sourced fruits for both local and international markets.
Located at the South Industrial Area in Accra, the company specialises in drying tropical fruits such as coconuts, pineapples, mangoes, watermelons, papayas, and bananas, as well as producing plantain chips.
She explained that their participation in the ‘This is Ghana’ Exhibition was driven by a desire to raise awareness about dried fruits, which remain relatively unfamiliar to many Ghanaians.
“On the local market, most people only know about fresh fruits. When they hear about dried mango or dried pineapple, they are often surprised.
We want to use this platform to showcase the benefits of dried fruit and encourage people to add it to their diet,” she said.
The exhibition continued on Sunday, featuring interactive sessions, product sampling, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and consumers alike.
The exhibition was powered by Channel One TV and Citi FM, with sponsorship from MTN, Ecobank, Syde Hassle by EK Brand Consult, the Ghana Enterprises Agency, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Exim Bank, and eVivi Rice.
It also received support from Twellium Industrial Company Limited and Built Financial Technologies.
