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Business News of Friday, 31 October 2003

Source: GNA

Ghanaian Supermarkets told to sell Made-in-Ghana goods

Tema, Oct. 30, GNA- Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister for Private Sector Development (PSD) on Thursday called on Ghanaians operating supermarkets to promote the sale of Ghanaian products.

He said there is the tendency to associate the business operations of a supermarket with foreign products. ''The sale of Made-in-Ghana goods do not only stimulate local production but also generate wealth and reduce poverty.''

The Minister made the call in a speech read for him at the commissioning of "Evergreen House and Supermarket."

He appealed to the private sector not only to break the virtual monopoly held by foreigners in the super market business but also to set up chains of supermarkets.

Mr Bartels commended management of the Evergreen Supermarket for the laudable achievement and urged them to open branches countrywide. He said conditions prevailing in the Private Sector can either make or mar the growth of the economy because about 70 percent is made up of micro, small and medium scale operators and asked them to expand their enterprises to create jobs for the youth.

Mrs Matilda Obeng Ashong, Managing Director of Ghana Commercial Bank Limited, said in line with its banking services to indigenous Ghanaian individuals and enterprises or businesses, the bank would continue supporting businesses to grow to expand and improve the economy. She however, urged the private sector entrepreneur to conduct the affairs of the businesses with "best practices" of management.

Mr Kwasi Morrison, managing director of the company said he started the business with his wife, Mrs Vida Morrison, by trading on tabletops in 1987 at the Tema Central Market and has gradually grown to the present state.