Accra, March 5, GNA - Ghanaians have been asked to patronise goods produced within the country to enable local industries to expand their operations.

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Kofi Osei-Ameyaw said the shift to the patronage of local products would go a long way to encourage growth, boost savings, stimulate investments and generate employment for the youth.

He was speaking at the launch of Bresuo Dry Gin, an alcoholic beverage produced by GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited, at the ongoing 10th Ghana Internationa Trade Fair in Accra. Mr Osei-Ameyaw said the greatest encouragement Ghanaians could provide to local industrialists was to assure them of continuous patronage of their products.

He said this would guarantee the companies a steady flow of funds to enable them to build on their capacity to upgrade the standards of their products to meet consumer sophistication.

"Instead of shying away from the products, let us encourage the companies to keep working on their technical capabilities to meet the high quality standards we all desire in products," he said. Mr Osei-Ameyaw asked the management of GIHOC to continue to produce goods of high quality that can match those from elsewhere. Professor Kojo Hagan, Managing Director of GIHOC said the company would not pursue profit at the expense of promoting quality and good health.

The company, he said, would remain resolute in pursuing its initial mandate of producing quality and wholesome alcoholic beverages that are affordable to all Ghanaians.

Prof. Hagan said the introduction of Bresuo was part of the continuous strategy to reach consumers at all levels. Bresuo is an ideal drink for occasions like parties, naming ceremonies, traditional festivals, among others. Prof Hagan assured Ghanaians that the company had the capacity to produce to meet demand.