GEPA inaugurates Accra Trade House to boost non-traditional exports

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has inaugurated the Accra Trade House and a monthly Friday Market, establishing a central hub to showcase made-in-Ghana products and enhance the country's export performance. This strategic initiative is designed to provide a permanent platform where local producers can engage directly with domestic and international buyers. According to GEPA, the Accra Trade House will serve as a vital logistics and exhibition point for goods destined for existing trade houses in Nairobi, Philadelphia, and London. By centralizing these operations, the authority aims to build buyer confidence and streamline the path for Ghanaian goods to reach global markets. Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, emphasized that the facility is a key component of the government's broader strategy to accelerate export development. The authority plans to expand this successful model to major European commercial centers, with future trade houses planned for Hamburg, Palermo, and Amsterdam. These facilities will allow Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to establish a physical presence in key markets, facilitating smoother transactions and fostering long-term business relationships. The direct access provided by these hubs is expected to bolster the competitiveness of local enterprises in the international arena. Complementing the permanent trade house is the newly launched Friday Market, a monthly event that offers a vibrant space for local producers to test their products and connect with the community. This initiative specifically targets SMEs, allowing them to gather immediate consumer feedback and refine their offerings before attempting to scale for export. The market serves as a bridge between local production and international standards, ensuring that businesses are better prepared for the demands of global trade. CEO Arthur noted that fostering direct interaction between producers and buyers is essential for promoting high-quality transactions. In addition to these infrastructure projects, GEPA is significantly ramping up its direct support for businesses by sponsoring at least 500 SMEs to participate in the upcoming Ghana Export and SME Fair (GEXPO). Scheduled to take place from November 18 to 22, 2026, at the Black Star Square in Accra, the fair will follow the Ghana Investment Forum. This large-scale event will showcase a wide variety of sectors, including textiles and processed foods, providing a critical platform for Ghanaian entrepreneurs to secure new contracts and increase non-traditional export earnings.