In its bid to raise awareness and encourage the use of goods and services made locally and by Ghanaians, ETV Ghana, the TV Station with quality local and foreign content, has launched its annual ‘Made in Ghana’ month.

The launch which took place at the studios of ETV, Asylum Down was graced by the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.

This year’s ‘Made in Ghana’ month is set to take place from 1st of September to 30th of September, 2015.

Made in Ghana month was designed to whip up interest in Ghanaians about the benefits of promoting our own goods and services and to actually give exposure to manufacturers of locally made products.

It is also to support the efforts of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) in its ‘Made in Ghana’ drive.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Murtala Mohammed, the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, said, ‘’this is an outstanding initiative from one of the best TV Stations in Ghana’’ .

He added, ‘’the media has a critical role to play in this ‘Made in Ghana’ agenda, therefore other media houses must come out with similar innovative programmes to support the government.’’

“Made in Ghana is not only about the promotion of Ghanaian clothing but also local delicacies. Through the efforts of government, domestic rice production has increased leading to a 60% reduction in rice importation,’’ according to the Deputy Minister.
He disclosed that, a consumer protection rights policy is in the offing to ensure proper standards and to protect consumers when it comes to the production of locally produced goods.

To show the seriousness that the sector ministry is putting into the promotion of Made in Ghana products, Mutarla Mohammed said staff of MOTI observes ‘Made in Ghana’ every working day by wearing ‘Made in Ghana’ clothes.

Commenting on the creative industry and its developmental effects at the launch, Mr. David Dontoh, a veteran actor, said, ‘’the current generation of Ghanaians have not used their abilities as a real resource like cocoa and gold but rather emulate blindly the works of other countries.’’

Mr. Dontoh disclosed that Nigeria earns about 500 million dollars from its creative industry every year and advised that Ghana should package her creative industry to the international market.

He asked parliament to expedite action on the film policy which seeks to direct, regulate and give economic substance to film production in the country.

On his part, the General Manager of ETV Ghana, Mr. John Osei-Tutu Agyeman, said, ‘’the main objective of ETV’s ‘Made in Ghana’ month is to create a platform for the Ministry of Trade and Industry to promote its ‘Made in Ghana’ agenda and to be a one stop shop for information on the ‘Made in Ghana’ drive.

Mr. Agyeman disclosed that a ‘Made in Ghana’ Village will be set up in the month of September for the promotion and sale of beads and other made in Ghana products.

To give true meaning to its resolve to give voice to ‘Made in Ghana’ products, the General Manager said, ETV is giving free airtime to MOTI to promote its ‘Made in Ghana’ agenda.

He added that 50% discount awaits any organization or individual that comes to advertise ‘Made in Ghana’ products on ETV.

The Made in Ghana month in September will witness series of activities like a festival of Ghanaian delicacies, showcasing of Ghanaian film makers, a seminar for the Ministry of Trade and Industry and many more.

For more information, check out www. E.TV Ghana .co. or the e.TV Ghana Facebook page.