Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has launched its one-District one- exportable product policy at Takoradi in the Western Region.

With this policy, Ghana Export Promotion Authority seeks to partner with MMDCEs within the region to identify traditional crops in their various districts which could be rolled on government’s planting for foods and jobs programme, and also to export traditional crops to rake in revenue for the country.

Speaking at the launch Deputy Regional Minister, Madam Eugenia Gifty Kusi, stressed that the initiative was a catalyst for development as it will create rural jobs and help minimise rural-urban migration.

She highlighted that Western Region contributes massively to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product as the region was noted for producing and exporting greater percentage of cash crops to other countries.

“This region contributes her quota to non-traditional crops export earnings to the country through cultivation and exportation of rubber, processed cocoa, palm oil, coconut oil among other food crops…it is therefore, good news that GEPA is expanding their scope by collaborating with various district assembly leaders within the region to at least identify one exportable product in their district.”

The regional minister was optimistic that with GEPA’s initiative to partner with MMDCEs more traditional crops would be identified to increase the country’s export earnings and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

Therefore, she tasked MMDCEs to take the partnership serious and help in identifying potential crops which could be exported to rake in more revenues for development projects in the country.

“Because, this GEPA-MMDCE collaboration is a catalyst for development at the district level by creating jobs for the local people and help improve standard of living and as leaders it is our responsibility to help our people out of poverty,” she indiacted.

Also, speaking at the conference, deputy Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Mr Eric Amoako Twum, stated that his outfit was poised to perform its function in the export value chain by helping MMDCEs to select a product with immense export potential from each district in Western Region.

He added that the region was blessed with much vegetation and resource which could be leverage upon for development.

“GEPA’s vision is to establish regional offices with district representative to see to the full implementation of the one-district- one – export product concept. We are looking forward to strengthen our presence in the Western Region to unearth its full export potential.”

Source: todaygh