Ghana is expected to earn 500 million dollars from the export of non-traditional products this year. To achieve the set target, the Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) is liaising with district assemblies, which have the potential of producing local crops in larger quantities for export. Currently, the Council is working with five districts Assemblies - Offinso, Bongo, South Tong, Ketu North and Juabiso-Bia to produce yams, cashew, black pepper, birds eye pepper, Kente, fish and handicraft among other things.

Senior Export Development Officer of the Council, Peter Obeng Obeng told farmers in the Ashanti region that export development committees have been formed in these districts to ensure smooth implementation of the GEPC programme and the marketing of the products to exporters.

The Council is also exploring new traditional products that can be exported as well as methods aimed at increasing the production of existing ones to meet external demands. Mr Poku said the programme would open up the districts and create employment for the youth, thereby improving the living conditions of the people.