Compete Ghana launches Virtual Ghana Trade Centre to boost export
By Christabel Oboshie ANNAN & Zeenatu ABUBAKAR, Accra
Compete Ghana has officially introduced the Virtual Ghana Trade Centre (GTC) and an e-commerce platform designed to foster stronger connections between exporters and buyers.
The initiative seeks to provide valuable information and market intelligence on foreign opportunities, promote Made in Ghana products, facilitate business-to-business interactions, and streamline the shipment process while effectively managing post-clearance issues in export markets.
The symbolic handover of the platform to the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) took place during the launch and a Buyer-Seller Meeting held in Accra.
Nicholas Gebara, Team Lead of Compete Ghana, emphasized the platform’s pivotal role in facilitating product exports. He outlined the logistics, stating that products would be physically dispatched to a distributor in Germany, and as consumers make online purchases, the products will be directly distributed to them.
Gebara projected a substantial increase in sales for the participating companies over the next five years and expressed optimism about increased engagement with the platform during this period.
Gerald Nyarko Mensah, an expert at Compete Ghana, highlighted that the e-commerce platform serves as a link connecting all Ghana Missions globally, creating a network of virtual Ghana trade centres.
He explained the platform’s integration into the Ghana Export Promotion Authority’s website, emphasizing its role in facilitating commercial services through on-ground market intelligence. The platform operates on Shopify, and subscribers gain access through the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, ensuring compliance with market standards and providing doorstep delivery upon purchase.
Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO of GEPA, stressed the urgent need for an online e-commerce platform, emphasizing its significance in facilitating sales.
She highlighted GEPA’s commitment to exploring trade opportunities and expanding their network extensively.
Dr. Asare mentioned successful initiatives, including establishing a strategic market in Kenya and training 40 farmers, with plans for further expansion.
Raffaele Quarto, Trade Counselor at the EU Delegation, emphasized Ghana’s readiness for the European Market.
He highlighted the importance of standardized products meeting European quality standards, expressing confidence in Ghana’s preparedness.
Quarto underlined the advantage of aligning with EU standards, enabling global export opportunities and facilitating expansion into other developed markets.
