He said “as part of our industrial subcontracting exchange policy, government agencies would have to source majority of their wares from Ghana before they look outside.” Mr. Ahenkora, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tema West , said the Trade Ministry was looking at profiling large industries to see what they needed in their production, and connecting them with appropriate Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which will provide them raw materials.

He therefore threw a challenge to the youth to consider going into agriculture because it offered a lot of opportunities for employment.   The Deputy Minister also admonished farmers to increase their production to meet the demand of industries like Eden Tree Company which was performing below capacity because they could not get all the raw materials they needed for their work.

He also advised private companies to consider buying produce from Ghanaian farmers as a way of encouraging them to produce more adding,“I don’t see any reason why hoteliers and large companies go outside to purchase foodstuffs when some are produced in the country.”

Mr. Ahenkora assured management of Eden Tree of government’s support in their resolve to expand their production.  “If you need anything from the ministry just write to us, and we would find a way to assist you,” he assured. Mr. Ahenkora hinted on the Ministry’s preparedness to revitalize companies which suffered under the power crisis that hit Ghana in the recent past.

 “Some companies are going down, but this government wants to bring them up and let them work again so they can pick our boys and girls from the streets” he said. He was full of praise for the company and attested to how well they have stuck to healthy standards “which would take them anywhere and be accepted.” 

 The Deputy Minister advised them not to be complacent with the domestic market, but consider expanding capacity towards the export market.