Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, has re-emphasised the government's determination to ensure that Ghanaian entrepreneurs played a leading role in every sector towards economic development.

He said government was committed to vibrant commercial activities employment and reduction of poverty in the Ghanaian society.

This was contained in an address read for him at the opening of an eleven-day "Super Easter" bazaar in Kumasi on Thursday.

The bazaar, which was organised by Driwald Consult, an Accra-based publicity firm, is under the theme: "Trading - The bedrock of industrial development".

About 150 local and foreign exhibitors were participating in the bazaar, which has on display, clothes, jewellery, cosmetics, drugs, household appliances, food and beverages, and others.

Mr Boafo said the government's liberalisation policy on trade fairs held over the past years provided ample testimony and demonstrated its commitment to create congenial and conducive environment for local manufacturers and service providers.

He commended Driwald Consult for the initiative and said the government would continue to support such local initiatives.

Mr Samuel Donkor, Deputy Co-ordinating Director of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), said Ashanti abounds in both human and natural resources, which needed to be tapped for national development.

He pledged the assembly's support towards the fair and commended Driwald Consult for its sustained interest in the promotion of business in the metropolis.

Mr Walter Djokoto, Chief Executive Officer of Driwald Consult, said it was important for Ghanaians to recognise and appreciate the critical role of trading in all human endeavours.

He said the bazaar was to recognise the important role of trading and the ingenuity of Asanteman, as well as the need to grow and expand market potentials in Ashanti, the second largest in Ghana.