Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting diaspora and local entrepreneurs, with the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, praising their resilience and contribution to national development amid a challenging operating environment.
Speaking at “Ahaspora’s Aha Ye De Diaspora Festival and Made-in-Ghana Expo” in Accra, the Minister assured business owners of government backing, describing small and medium-scale enterprises as central to Ghana’s economic and cultural growth.
“I came to let you know that we are proud of you and we have your back. I wish you the very best with your business. It is not easy starting a small business in our country,” she said, addressing exhibitors at the event held at the CAL Bank Head Office at Ridge.
Madam Gomashie acknowledged the pressures facing SMEs but said ongoing government interventions aimed at stabilising and diversifying the economy would ultimately strengthen local enterprises, particularly in the creative and cultural sectors. She noted that entrepreneurship in tourism, culture and the creative arts remained a key lever for job creation and value addition.
The Minister also commended organisers and stakeholders for their sustained commitment to promoting Made-in-Ghana goods and services, stressing the importance of collaboration across institutions to advance Ghanaian culture and enterprise.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, I want to thank my colleagues and all the team members for their consistency. I remember participating in similar activities years ago, and I am happy we are still doing it,” she noted.
Beyond policy support, Madam Gomashie urged the media and the public to actively champion individuals and businesses projecting Ghana positively on the global stage.
“We must all play our part in celebrating those who are doing great things for our country. These are the people holding high the red, gold and green with the Black Star, and they deserve our support,” she said.
She encouraged exhibitors to continue promoting locally made products, describing patronage of Ghanaian goods as both an economic choice and an expression of national pride.
The festival and expo brought together local and diaspora entrepreneurs, creatives and business owners, showcasing Made-in-Ghana products alongside cultural music and dance, live DJ performances and family-focused activities, underscoring the growing commercial and cultural relevance of diaspora-led platforms in Ghana’s creative economy.
