Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Accra have urged Ghanaians to patronise and project Ghana-made-products during the yuletide.

This would boost indigenous businesses, promote job creation and propel national growth.

Many enterprise owners at an SMEs fair told the GNA that the preference for foreign taste of citizens, especially during Christmas celebrations, denied indigenous enterprises the significant sales that would propel their growth.

The interview was conducted at the Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) Christmas Fair for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, held at its SMEs Centre Kokomlemle, in Accra.

Ghana imports a variety of goods for the Christmas festival annually.

In 2023, Ghana imported an $225 million worth of Christmas items, with the top countries being China, the Netherlands, and the United States of America.

The three-day fair is providing 50 vendors the opportunity to showcase their products to prospective buyers.

The vendors are offering products ranging from food, clothing, poultry products, and semi-processed agricultural products.

Miss Abigail Amegashie, a textile vendor, said Ghanaian textiles must be the choice of fashion for citizens during Christmas.

She highlighted their cultural and economic significance, saying purchasing such textiles would promote cultural, moral, and historical values.

The vendor noted that textiles with beautiful native motifs and and indigenous communication symbols promoted Ghanaian cultures and creativity.

During the yuletide many tourists visited the country, she pointed out, saying if Ghanaians should wear predominantly locally designed and tailored clothing, the tourists would be encouraged to buy them, thus boosting the export potential of the country.

“In the global village we find ourselves, we must be intentional about marketing our contribution to humanity by projecting our beautiful culture and positive values for adoption,” she said.

Ms Amegashie, therefore, applauded CBG for the fair, noting that such opportunities bridged the gap between sellers and buyers.

Miss Vida Otoo, General Manager, Love and Kind Catering Services, also urged Ghanaians to prioritise Ghana-made brands over imported brands for Christmas.

She said enterprises, especially in the food and bevearage sector, were well positioned to serve citizens during the season.

The food vendor also highlighted the Trade Ministry’s role in promoting Ghanaian-made products, saying, the relevant agencies must emulate companies such as the CBG to routinely organise fairs for SMEs.

Mr. Emmanual Nikoi, Director of Retail Banking at CBG, said the fair underscored CBG’s dedication to empowering small and medium enterprises.

He said it embodied the bank’s role not just as a financial institution but as a trusted partners in the success stories of SMEs.

SMEs account for more than 70 per cent of businesses in the country.

The director urged Ghanaians to embrace the festive spirit and shared values emphasising that vendors and buyers should make the season a memorable one.

He commended the vendors, partners, and the hard-working team behind the event for their invaluable contributions to making the “CBG Christmas fair” a reality.