Ghanaian Manufacturers Urged to Improve Branding and Quality to Compete with Foreign Products
The Director of Finance and Administration at the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, Mr. Franklin Kwasi Andrews, has called on Ghanaian manufacturers to take bold steps in improving the quality and branding of their products to match those of foreign competitors.
Speaking at the grand opening of the 2025 edition of the Grand Sales at the Kumasi Jubilee Park, Mr. Andrews expressed concern over the lack of taste many Ghanaians have for locally manufactured goods, attributing it to perceptions of poor quality and unattractive branding.
“Ghanaians don’t have the taste for locally manufactured goods because they think it’s of low quality compared to the foreign ones. Even when foreign products are of lower quality, the branding alone can lure buyers,” he said.
Mr. Andrews urged local manufacturers to take advantage of state institutions such as the Ghana Export and Promotions Authority (GEPA), the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), and the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) to help improve their packaging, branding, and standards.
He also pleaded with banks to support local entrepreneurs to help boost their competitiveness on both local and international markets.
The Grand Sales, which ends on Monday, 9th June, aims to bring buyers and sellers together and help traders offload old or current stock in preparation for major occasions like Christmas, Easter, and Eid al-Fitr.
Tracy Adomah Kwarteng, CEO of ChiquebyCY, a brand that deals in African-inspired clothing, welcomed the initiative and highlighted its benefits.
“It’s really going to boost my business in terms of clients. Locally manufactured goods are very affordable compared to the foreign ones, so Ghanaians must develop the taste to buy from us,” she said.
Sharon Antwi, CEO of Ronzy’s Makeup and Wigs, echoed similar sentiments and appealed for more government support.
“We need help from the government because we’ve managed to create something meaningful without depending on government postings,” she stressed.
The 2025 Grand Sales is part of Ghana Trade Fair Company’s broader effort to promote local enterprise and build consumer confidence in Ghanaian-made goods.
