The Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) is taking proactive measures to promote peace ahead of Ghana's December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections. On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the bank will host a special edition of its renowned Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) fair, aptly named "Freedom Mart." This event, themed “A Peaceful Ghana to Promote Trade,” is aimed at underscoring the critical importance of peace and stability for national progress.
The event is set to take place at the forecourt of GEXIM's headquarters, the Africa Trade House in Ridge, Accra, next to the British Council. Freedom Mart will run from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, offering a vibrant display of innovative and high-quality Made-in-Ghana products and services.
Participants can expect an array of items on sale, including food products, beverages, skincare and beauty items, textiles, leather footwear, clothing, and more. The fair promises affordable prices and world-class standards, positioning itself as a haven for Ghanaians to experience and purchase some of the country’s finest locally made products.
The event's focus extends beyond commerce. Freedom Mart will also serve as a platform to educate and remind citizens of the significance of maintaining peace during and after the election period.
Speaking on the initiative, Ms. Rosemary Beryl Archer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM in charge of Banking, emphasized the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s peaceful democratic reputation. She pointed out that Ghana has long been celebrated as a beacon of democracy on the African continent, thanks to its history of credible and orderly elections.
“As we approach the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, the importance of maintaining peace and stability cannot be overstated. Ghana has long been a beacon of democracy and the shining star of the African continent with credible and orderly electoral processes," she remarked.
Ms. Archer explained that the Freedom Mart aims to inspire a collective commitment to preserving peace, as it remains a fundamental requirement for development and trade. "Without a peaceful country, there will be no development, and trade cannot thrive. Hence, the need for peace," she added.
She encouraged all Ghanaians to participate in the Freedom Mart, where they can explore a variety of locally crafted goods at unbeatable prices while supporting the message of peace.
Beyond the exhibition, Freedom Mart aligns with GEXIM’s broader mission of fostering economic growth by empowering local businesses. The bank’s efforts to spotlight Ghanaian products and services are part of its strategy to enhance the country’s export potential and create jobs, especially within the SME sector.
GEXIM’s call for peace through trade and economic activity is both timely and critical, given the significant role SMEs play in Ghana’s economy. SMEs contribute about 70% to Ghana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide approximately 85% of jobs nationwide. Their success is intertwined with the stability of the nation.
Freedom Mart’s organizers are keen to remind citizens that peace is not only a political matter but also an economic one. A stable environment allows businesses to flourish, encourages investment, and ensures sustainable development.
Ms. Archer reiterated the call for a peaceful electoral process, urging citizens to remain calm and respectful of electoral outcomes. She highlighted that peace is a shared responsibility and called on all Ghanaians to prioritize unity over division as the elections draw closer.
The Ghana Export-Import Bank has also designed Freedom Mart to be a celebration of Ghanaian ingenuity and resilience. By placing a spotlight on the creativity and hard work of local entrepreneurs, the event seeks to remind Ghanaians of their collective strength and ability to rise above challenges when united.
Visitors to the event will not only have the chance to shop for unique products but will also witness how trade and peace can coexist as catalysts for growth. GEXIM’s Freedom Mart stands as a testament to the bank’s commitment to driving both economic empowerment and social harmony.
As the December elections approach, initiatives like Freedom Mart underscore the need for Ghanaians to rally together to protect the nation’s democratic gains. By promoting peaceful dialogue and collaboration, the Ghana Export-Import Bank is setting an example for other institutions to follow.
Freedom Mart is more than just a trade fair. It is a call to action for every Ghanaian to appreciate the value of peace in ensuring national development. Through its message and the products it showcases, Freedom Mart seeks to leave a lasting impact that extends beyond the elections and into the future of Ghana's prosperity.
Ghanaians are invited to be part of this transformative experience at Freedom Mart on December 3, 2024, at the Africa Trade House in Ridge, Accra. Together, the nation can demonstrate that peace is not only a foundation for democracy but also a catalyst for trade, growth, and a brighter future for all.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0