Accra, Nov 10, GNA - The College of Jewellery mounted its first annual jewellery sales exhibition, bringing tradition and technology together at Novotel Hotel, Accra.

On display were new embossed name on rings, 18 karat gold Adinkra tube earrings, twisted bangles with colour and stone setting and trade bead on 18 karat gold chain and nugget pendants each of which has a traditional significance and the occasions to wear them. Mrs Cecilia Bannerman, Minister of Mines opening the four-day exhibition called on all stakeholders and operators in the jewellery industry to make good use of the state of the art equipment offered by the College of Jewellery to improve the standard and quality of their work.

"Government is seriously exploring ways of finding solutions to the problems facing the industry and will support the college and the local jewellers to improve and expand their trade," she added. Mrs. Bannerman said the college would be playing a leading role in providing training and access to technology to several craftsmen and jewellery producers.

She stated that the government's policy was to place value to products before sale and the mining sector is of no exception by encouraging goldsmiths and other jewellery producers to improve and increase their output.

Mr. Alan Kyeremanten, Minister of Trade, Industry and PSI said as part of the Ministry's effort, it has started craftsmanship development centre to attract more people in the industry. Mr. Kyeremanteng urged the College of Arts at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to add craftsmanship to their curriculum.

He called on all "to work together to help the industry to grow". The exhibition was also to promote tourism through revamping the traditional African cultural heritage through ornamental jewellery production, storage and collection for museums.