Accra, July 7, GNA - Government on Wednesday outlined plans to establish a web based product gallery, to give extensive international exposure to indigenous Made-in Ghana goods. The web based product gallery would serve as market, exhibition and advertisement centre to link Ghanaian indigenous industries to the global

commerce and investor platform, Mr Mahama Ayariga, Deputy Minister of Tra de and Industry stated in Accra. Mr Ayariga announced this in a speech read on his behalf at the presentation of "COSMOCORP Beauty Excellence Awards for 2009". He noted that Government through the trade ministry is committed to create investment opportunities and encourage consumption of locally made

products. The Beauty Excellence Award 2009 organised by the Management of COSMOCORP Beauty Africa, a private corporate entity, seeks to create a platform for acknowledgement of the vital role beauty therapy professiona ls play. It also seeks to bring to the fore knowledge, passion and innovative

beauty therapeutic service and the trends in the beautification industry as well as appreciate, celebrate skills and hunt for talents in the business

field. Mr Ayariga expressed concern about the proliferation of harmful substandard beauty products on the Ghanaian market, creating health hazar ds for both consumers and professionals in the industry. "To check these and other substandard products in general, the Minis try is developing a consumer protection policy that would protect both the consumer and the industry," he said. He admonished professionals in the beauty therapy industry to invest in producing Made-in-Ghana beauty products."as it would help extend the reac h of your enterprise on the world market". The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry urged the management to continue to stir the interest of Ghanaians in the beauty and cosmetic industry and in addition, unearth hidden talents in the country to positively impact on both the local and the international arena. "I would like to commend the management of COSMOCORP Beauty Africa f or the foresight and fortitude in planning to bring players of the beauty industry across the globe to help promote the beauty industry in Ghana through exhibition, education and nation-wide competition," he said. Mrs Nana Achaa Otu, Chief Executive Officer of COSMOCORP Beauty Afri ca, noted that the excellent award is unique because it was a departure from the usual beauty pageant, to inculcate workshops, seminars, exhibitions and unearth talents. She said it also created a platform for beauty professionals to network, explore opportunities and ventures in the industry and strengthe n the professional standard of workers. Mrs Otu said the Award was dedicated to creativity, artistic discove ry, skills and talent enhancement and raised awareness about the role and importance of beauty professionals. Mrs Elizabeth Sackey, Member of Parliament for Okai Koi North, presented a modern fully furnished hair dressing salon valued at GH¢10, 000 to Ms Sarah Dovlo, a vocational teacher at Accra Girls Senior High School as the first prize winner. The second prize winner, Ms Sophia Yuorpore from Bolgatanga was presented with hair dressing equipment valued at about GH¢7,000. All th e prizes were sponsored by the management of COSMOCORP Beauty Africa. ld meet on July 12