Friday, August 31, 2012
No regrets for going into fashion designing - Julia
As a fashion designer she takes her ability to mix and match colours to a whole new level. Ama Amankwah Baafi obtains a designer's view of her hard work.
MS Julia Opare, a fashion designer found her calling at an early age. “My mother was a seamstress so right from childhood I had been artistic,” she said.
Julia has come a long way from an ordinary dressmaker to a fashion designer who sketch designs, select fabrics, creates clothing and footwear.
When GRAPHIC BUSINESS spoke to Julia at her workshop at Banana Inn, a suburb of Accra, she said she completed vocation school in 1995 at Kaneshie in Accra.
Known as TRUWORTH Fashions, her products include gents and ladies African wears and African design slippers.
“For about two years I worked at home before I moved to my current place where I have a workshop and a showroom”. Julia said she designs all kinds of wear.
Getting started as a young fashion designer was not easy, let alone getting market for her products, but through the support of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, she was linked with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and began marketing her products through fairs locally and internationally in 2008.
Julia said she often gets job orders after participating in such fairs, especially outside Ghana and is able to meet demand with staff strength of seven. Apart from participating in fairs facilitated by the GEPA, she takes the initiative to go on her own.
She said she works hard on her collection, particularly for fashion exhibitions as she sees it an opportunity to make the most of.
Passion for creativity is the inspiration for Julia’s collection. “You get to see what was in your mind, and then in your drawing, and then in your pattern, as a finished product.”
Julia looks forward to get funding to expand her work even beyond the borders of Ghana. “Money is the most important because if I have money I can acquire the materials I need and I can work well”.
She could also purchase modern and more machinery to work and employ 15 additional staff.
When asked whether anything about her journey so far has surprised her, she said, “I get surprised about how many people pay attention and recognise my products. Getting calls for orders from people who admire my work and want to collaborate is satisfying”.
She said clients of TRUWORTH Fashions get unique products; excellent finishing, promptness and on time delivery.
So what advice would Julia give to younger ones who want to start a fashion design career? “Starting a fashion career is not a fast-paced thing, but if you love it, stay with it. You must be creative and you should also stay true to your vision”.
However, Julia feels strongly that most young people of today are not interested in learning such vocations such as fashion designing because it is not fast-paced. “I have tried several times to get people to train for free but they have not been cooperative”.
The 38 year old mother of three said she has never regretted going into fashion designing because it is lucrative. “I began fashion designing with my twin sister but she stopped along the lines and now she tells me she has regretted and wish she could turn back the hand of time. I can say I am able to immensely support my husband financially. Everything I have now I got it from my work”.
She was full of praise for her husband who she said has been very supportive, especially taking care of the children when she is away on a business trip.
Though grateful for the support from the GEPA and the Ministry of Trade and Industry so far, she appealed more from them and other stakeholders in the creative industry to come on board so people like her in the industry can make it.
“Made in Ghana goods are held in high esteem outside Ghana so if it is promoted it will contribute to economic development”.
From teaching to entrepreneurship
He quit teaching to pursue an entrepreneurship dream. But the journey to entrepreneurship is still a distance from where he wants to be. Ama Amankwah Baafi reports
He began brewing “soobolo” in 2001. His main selling joint was at the ‘Salvation Park’ located at Mataheko, a suburb of Accra, place noted for Saturday football matches.
Koffi said he could make sales of GH₵50 weekly. In 2008, he quit teaching to brew soobolo full time under the name BISKOMA Enterprise.
He told GRAPHIC BUSINESS that he did not have enough money then, “but I was determined to do it. At that time I decided to stop the use of used bottles though I had money for only 48 bottles.”
Now, Koffi says he is able to buy about 3000 bottles a month for production. Major clients of his brand, “Bisko bissap drink” are the various university campuses in Accra, banks, churches and individual households. They come in different flavours of ginger, pineapple etc.
Motivation
He said that is innate and by divine revelation. “I believe it is part of my purpose on earth. I don’t allow what is outside to influence me but what is within. That is why against all odds I have decided to go ahead to pursue my dream.”
Initially, he used motor cycle to distribute and which was associated with its challenges, “I remember there were times the ‘Ghana-must-go bag’ in which I put the products would fall off during distribution. Yet I remained focused.”
Production
He said he began production by buying on credit, including employing the services of a consultant. He said his mini factory uses simple machinery for now since machinery is capital intensive.
Out of determination and a passion to produce quality drink that has natural taste, ingredients used in the production process include dried bissap (hibiscus leaf), natural ginger, lemon grass and other local spices such as ‘whintea’, as well as water.
“I have been using these ingredients because I want to brew purely home based drink. My choice also gives the drink real taste. When you buy Bisko bissap drink, you can be assured that there is no artificial colouring and carbonated additives”.
He uses industrial fire to boil the mixture at 100 degree Celsius and afterwards allow to cool for hours before bottling. “Production period depends on the quantity. Averagely, it takes a full day. It is important to allow to cool or else the bottle would deform.”
Unlike some entrepreneurs, Koffi says he does not only supervise but is still involved in the production process from start to finish to maintain quality.”
Hurdles
It has been difficult to get dedicated staff, apparently, due to the intensity of labour. However, he employs casual personnel when necessary. Also since major consumers are the universities, when they go on vacation, then the factory has to operate below capacity. Again, access to long term credit has been a challenge.
NBSSI support
Koffi said he had so far been as beneficiary of the capacity building programmes provided by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI). Seminars on product management and improvement, proper bookkeeping, etc have helped to improve Bisko bissap drink. “The NBSSI has again begun the process of creating websites for our businesses. Sometimes they also send our products to fairs.”
Achievement
BISKOMA Enterprise has been able to purchase a vehicle for distribution, acquired some machinery and land to put up a modern factory. “I am doing well and I thank God for bringing me this far.
Health benefits
He said researched has proved that the drink reduces high blood and aids proper functioning of the heart.
Imparting knowledge
He said several attempts to train the young generation had been vain. He remarked the youth of today seem too interested in acquiring wealth quickly but not in investing / investments.
Future
BISKOMA Enterprise projects to market its drinks nationwide in the next five years. Koffi said his great ambition is to set up a bigger factory and employ about a million staff. “I am also working hard to be able to break into the African market and subsequently European market.”
Personal profile
Agbehonou Koffi Medard has a Ghanaian mother but Togolese father. He is married and has a nine month old boy. He has no regrets in going into such a business enterprise. When he is not brewing soobolo he enjoys swimming and winning souls for Christ. He deems it a responsibility to give back to society what he has been blessed with.
“I believe I have not reached where I want to be. My biggest dream is to provide basic necessaries of life for the less privileged in his society. My dream is that none of my generation would be poor, except the person chooses to. By age 45, I should be able live even if I do not work again”.
He has dreams to pursue his education, particularly in product development and seeks inspiration and advice from others.
Bissap drink industry
He condemned the attitude of unscrupulous persons who add food additive and colour to the drink. He said it is about time designated authorities get tough on local drink producers who use used bottles to package their products. “Using used bottles poses a health risk. The public should also desist from patronizing and consuming such products”.
To contact the writer:amaachia@yahoo.com
http://www.graphic.com.gh/business/
He began brewing “soobolo” in 2001. His main selling joint was at the ‘Salvation Park’ located at Mataheko, a suburb of Accra, place noted for Saturday football matches.
Koffi said he could make sales of GH₵50 weekly. In 2008, he quit teaching to brew soobolo full time under the name BISKOMA Enterprise.
He told GRAPHIC BUSINESS that he did not have enough money then, “but I was determined to do it. At that time I decided to stop the use of used bottles though I had money for only 48 bottles.”
Now, Koffi says he is able to buy about 3000 bottles a month for production. Major clients of his brand, “Bisko bissap drink” are the various university campuses in Accra, banks, churches and individual households. They come in different flavours of ginger, pineapple etc.
Motivation
He said that is innate and by divine revelation. “I believe it is part of my purpose on earth. I don’t allow what is outside to influence me but what is within. That is why against all odds I have decided to go ahead to pursue my dream.”
Initially, he used motor cycle to distribute and which was associated with its challenges, “I remember there were times the ‘Ghana-must-go bag’ in which I put the products would fall off during distribution. Yet I remained focused.”
Production
He said he began production by buying on credit, including employing the services of a consultant. He said his mini factory uses simple machinery for now since machinery is capital intensive.
Out of determination and a passion to produce quality drink that has natural taste, ingredients used in the production process include dried bissap (hibiscus leaf), natural ginger, lemon grass and other local spices such as ‘whintea’, as well as water.
“I have been using these ingredients because I want to brew purely home based drink. My choice also gives the drink real taste. When you buy Bisko bissap drink, you can be assured that there is no artificial colouring and carbonated additives”.
He uses industrial fire to boil the mixture at 100 degree Celsius and afterwards allow to cool for hours before bottling. “Production period depends on the quantity. Averagely, it takes a full day. It is important to allow to cool or else the bottle would deform.”
Unlike some entrepreneurs, Koffi says he does not only supervise but is still involved in the production process from start to finish to maintain quality.”
Hurdles
It has been difficult to get dedicated staff, apparently, due to the intensity of labour. However, he employs casual personnel when necessary. Also since major consumers are the universities, when they go on vacation, then the factory has to operate below capacity. Again, access to long term credit has been a challenge.
NBSSI support
Koffi said he had so far been as beneficiary of the capacity building programmes provided by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI). Seminars on product management and improvement, proper bookkeeping, etc have helped to improve Bisko bissap drink. “The NBSSI has again begun the process of creating websites for our businesses. Sometimes they also send our products to fairs.”
Achievement
BISKOMA Enterprise has been able to purchase a vehicle for distribution, acquired some machinery and land to put up a modern factory. “I am doing well and I thank God for bringing me this far.
Health benefits
He said researched has proved that the drink reduces high blood and aids proper functioning of the heart.
Imparting knowledge
He said several attempts to train the young generation had been vain. He remarked the youth of today seem too interested in acquiring wealth quickly but not in investing / investments.
Future
BISKOMA Enterprise projects to market its drinks nationwide in the next five years. Koffi said his great ambition is to set up a bigger factory and employ about a million staff. “I am also working hard to be able to break into the African market and subsequently European market.”
Personal profile
Agbehonou Koffi Medard has a Ghanaian mother but Togolese father. He is married and has a nine month old boy. He has no regrets in going into such a business enterprise. When he is not brewing soobolo he enjoys swimming and winning souls for Christ. He deems it a responsibility to give back to society what he has been blessed with.
“I believe I have not reached where I want to be. My biggest dream is to provide basic necessaries of life for the less privileged in his society. My dream is that none of my generation would be poor, except the person chooses to. By age 45, I should be able live even if I do not work again”.
He has dreams to pursue his education, particularly in product development and seeks inspiration and advice from others.
Bissap drink industry
He condemned the attitude of unscrupulous persons who add food additive and colour to the drink. He said it is about time designated authorities get tough on local drink producers who use used bottles to package their products. “Using used bottles poses a health risk. The public should also desist from patronizing and consuming such products”.
To contact the writer:amaachia@yahoo.com
http://www.graphic.com.gh/business/
No regrets for going into fashion designing
As a fashion designer she takes her ability to mix and match colours to a whole new level. Ama Amankwah Baafi obtains a designer's view of her hard work.
MS Julia Opare, a fashion designer found her calling at an early age. “My mother was a seamstress so right from childhood I had been artistic,” she said.
Julia has come a long way from an ordinary dressmaker to a fashion designer who sketch designs, select fabrics, creates clothing and footwear.
When GRAPHIC BUSINESS spoke to Julia at her workshop at Banana Inn, a suburb of Accra, she said she completed vocation school in 1995 at Kaneshie in Accra.
Known as TRUWORTH Fashions, her products include gents and ladies African wears and African design slippers.
“For about two years I worked at home before I moved to my current place where I have a workshop and a showroom”. Julia said she designs all kinds of wear.
Getting started as a young fashion designer was not easy, let alone getting market for her products, but through the support of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, she was linked with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and began marketing her products through fairs locally and internationally in 2008.
Julia said she often gets job orders after participating in such fairs, especially outside Ghana and is able to meet demand with staff strength of seven. Apart from participating in fairs facilitated by the GEPA, she takes the initiative to go on her own.
She said she works hard on her collection, particularly for fashion exhibitions as she sees it an opportunity to make the most of.
Passion for creativity is the inspiration for Julia’s collection. “You get to see what was in your mind, and then in your drawing, and then in your pattern, as a finished product.”
Julia looks forward to get funding to expand her work even beyond the borders of Ghana. “Money is the most important because if I have money I can acquire the materials I need and I can work well”.
She could also purchase modern and more machinery to work and employ 15 additional staff.
When asked whether anything about her journey so far has surprised her, she said, “I get surprised about how many people pay attention and recognise my products. Getting calls for orders from people who admire my work and want to collaborate is satisfying”.
She said clients of TRUWORTH Fashions get unique products; excellent finishing, promptness and on time delivery.
So what advice would Julia give to younger ones who want to start a fashion design career? “Starting a fashion career is not a fast-paced thing, but if you love it, stay with it. You must be creative and you should also stay true to your vision”.
However, Julia feels strongly that most young people of today are not interested in learning such vocations such as fashion designing because it is not fast-paced. “I have tried several times to get people to train for free but they have not been cooperative”.
The 38 year old mother of three said she has never regretted going into fashion designing because it is lucrative. “I began fashion designing with my twin sister but she stopped along the lines and now she tells me she has regretted and wish she could turn back the hand of time. I can say I am able to immensely support my husband financially. Everything I have now I got it from my work”.
She was full of praise for her husband who she said has been very supportive, especially taking care of the children when she is away on a business trip.
Though grateful for the support from the GEPA and the Ministry of Trade and Industry so far, she appealed more from them and other stakeholders in the creative industry to come on board so people like her in the industry can make it.
“Made in Ghana goods are held in high esteem outside Ghana so if it is promoted it will contribute to economic development”.
Competent local managers critical to Africa’s development - AMI
The African Management Initiative (AMI) is leading a campaign to build a critical mass of African managers, supported by high-quality schools and resources, and working in dynamic organisations that allow talents to flourish.
According to the AMI, a larger pool of competent local managers is critical to drive competitive African private and public sectors, and to cultivate knowledge-base economies, as well as to achieve development goals.
A report by the AMI formed by the Association of African Business Schools, the Global Business School Network, the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the Lundin Foundation, identified an acute shortage of quality managers as a major bottleneck for growth in Africa.
Though foreign investment is said to be on the rise, with Africa’s economic growth among the fastest in the world, the growth is rapidly draining the pool of local managers.
The report titled, “Catalyzing Management Development in Africa”, estimated that Africa’s formal labour force of 111 million includes approximately 11 million managers.
Therefore, to entrench the practice of good management, there is need to ensure that at least one in 10 million of them (over 1 million managers) are equipped with the knowledge needed to drive the continent’s next phase of development.
According to the research, the biggest need is in the middle of the organizational pyramid. Interviewees cited a huge gap between senior executives who enjoy the benefits of international business schools and work experience, and a much less able engine room of middle and lower level managers. This gap leads to execution problems.
It showed that many African organizations are hierarchical and constrained by ‘founder syndrome’; therefore, there is need for programmes that will coach senior leaders in developing the organizational culture systems that allow their own managers to flourish.
Also, employers outlined the kind of skills and qualities they required from managers. These include; personal drive; planning skills; ethics and integrity; critical thinking skills; practical experience and flexibility.
The report revealed that Africa has roughly 90 business schools offering an MBA (one per 11 million people) compared to India that has over 1, 500 MBA-offering schools. Less than 10 of these African institutions measure up to international standards.
While South Africa and parts of North Africa are said to be strong, Central and West Africa are woefully underserved. The AMI report said many local business schools are low quality, overly academic and out of step with the requirements of fast growing African economies.
On the other hand, the non-academic management training market is fragmented and of generally low quality. “We urgently need high-quality and affordable institutions and programmes at this level, which can also reach rural and underserved urban areas”, stated the report.
The research recommended that Africa should have its own models for management education and development with potential for real scale. It cited four areas for possible action; inputs, providers, organizational enablers and quality assurance.
SAHEL Sahara Bank has opened its 12th branch at Achimota in Accra as part of measures by the bank to bring banking to the doorstep of its customers.
The move is also intended to match competition in the banking industry as far as the spread of banks is concerned.
The Managing Director of the bank, Mr Robert Kow Bentil, said the bank was spreading its branch networks across the country in a strategic manner to enable it serve customers better. He added that “it is also to attract new customers to do business with us”.
He hinted that the bank was planning to open three more branches by next year to move the number of branches to 15.
About the performance of the bank, Mr Bentil said, “Sahel Sahara Bank Ghana’s operating income grew from GH¢2.9 million in 2008, to GH¢10.3 million in June this year; Deposits also rose from GH¢5 million in 2008 to GH¢81 million by June this year”.
He added that the bank’s total assets also rose from the 2008 figure of GH¢1.9 million to GH¢123.6 million in June 2012 while loans and advances increased from GH¢2.2 million in 2008 to GH¢53.4 million in June this year.
“In 2008, the bank recorded a loss of GH¢1.6 million. However, by June this year we had broken even and made a profit of GH¢2.6 million,” he said.
He attributed the bank’s success to the commitment of its staff and further called on them to continue to do more.
The Sahel-Sahara Bank, which was inaugurated in March 2008, is owned by the 26-member Community of Sahel-Saharienne States of Africa (CEN-SAD) of which Ghana is a member.
The bank operates in some of the 26-member Community of Sahel-Saharienne States of Africa (CEN-SAD) including Ghana.
Network to promote shared growth
A NATIONAL platform of civil society organisations, the Economic Justice Network (EJN), has resolved to promote trade and finance reforms to ensure that the major drivers of the country’s economic growth spring from domestic and regional sources.
The EJN, devoted to equitable national economic development, said it would roll out series of activities that would go to transform domestic economic sectors, actors and interests and improve their inter-linkages for increased productivity.
Speaking at the re-launch of the network in Accra, Mr Tetteh Hormeku of the Third World Network-Africa (TWN), said the activities of the network would also promote an inclusive growth and development through equitable re-distribution and realignment of production capacities within the economy, as well as improvement in productivity-centred livelihoods that supported socio-economic justice and poverty eradication in the country.
The EJN was formed in 2005 in protest of what they described as continuing policies and experiences of economic injustice.
He said the network had been at the forefront of advocacy on economic policy issues affecting ordinary Ghanaians, especially against what he described as the “discredited Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)”, the planned free trade pact between European Union and Ghana (and other African and Caribbean countries) that threatens to damage the local economy and undermine the future of ordinary Ghanaians.
According to Mr Hormeku, the fundamentals of the country’s economy, like many other African economies, remain extremely fragile after three decades of uncontrolled liberalisation, deregulation and privatisation, as those policies and models had restrained and undermined the structural transformation of the economy to benefit ordinary Ghanaians.
“Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) strong performance in recent years had been due largely to the increased international demand and high prices for its mineral and agricultural raw material exports. By the same token, the economy is even more vulnerable to violent external shocks,” he said.
“We have pursued economic policies that privileges foreign private sector. Unless we are able to counter address pressure exerted by foreign policy on our governments, we can never ensure economic development. Taxes are sources of revenue so why do we stress the few tax sources, especially the informal sector,” he asked.
The social activist emphasised the EJN was not a new entity but largely a synergy of knowledge to confront the socio-economic challenges, adding “we should use our own knowledge and experience to formulate policies so they become a reference point to the struggle against bad policies”.
With the re-launch, the EJN will immediately start a national advocacy campaign.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Albe Farms breaks into EU market
Albe Farms, located in the Akuapem South district of the Eastern Region has through exploration of product development and application managed to become a commercial farm. Ama Amankwah Baafi visited the farms and reports
Albe Farms began poultry production in 1995and was doing well until the outbreak of bird flu disease which hit badly the poultry sector. Yet, through determination and hard work, owner of the farm Albert Amponsah Atuah diverted to vegetable and fruit farming after thorough research.
From 2002, it has been producing local fruits and vegetables namely mango, pineapple, pepper and garden eggs, as well as Asian vegetables such as, tinder and ravaya (aubergine). It started exporting in 2006.
Specifically, Albe Farms cultivate in Amanfrom and Oboadaka in Akuapem South and Samsam in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra region, while it has out growers for mango production in Obom, Ada, Kpando, Hohoe and Dodowa.
With its current production capacity, it produces about 1000 metric tonnes of pineapple, 4000 metric tons of mangoes and 1000 metric tons of chili pepper per annum respectively.
Albert told GRAPHIC BUSINESS that the chilli pepper is harvested in its green state as the market demands. “We don’t wait for them to get ripe and when we harvest in that state we get high yields. We are looking at about 5000 with the Asian vegetables,” he said.
Albe Farms has a turnover of about GH₵350, 000, employs five administrative staff and over 100 farm hands, with majority being out growers.
“Our export market distribution channels are for importers and private agencies, am now working to distribute through the large retailers which are most of the supermarkets in the European market”, he stated.
Albe farms exports to Europe (Netherlands and Spain) and has a capital base of US$100, 00.
One needs to get GLOBALGAP certification to get to the market and a contractual agreement. The certification entails good agricultural practices on the farm so that produce will be fit for consumption.
Albert explained GLOBALGAP goes to the extent of knowing the type of chemicals a farmer uses, the active ingredients and then handling of produce among others.
He mentioned the lack of consistent supply of the fruits and vegetables as an obstacle. “Quality is also an issue. It is difficult sometimes to get the volume that you need due to lack of awareness of the demand of fruits and vegetables on the international market. I think it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and people like me to educate farmers on the opportunity,” he said.
He is also not happy that there is available funding but it is inaccessible and often times delay. When a farmer applies for a facility, the money becomes available during off season and so there is a delay in supplying for customers. “So by the time you receive the money it does not impact on your activity since orders may have been cancelled,” he stated.
Also, he said the cost of credit is high, there is high shipping cost and experience exchange rate loss, when during negotiation with a buyer one is asked to pay for freight here in Ghana. Transportation to port is also a challenge.
“We need to deepen public private partnership. Now the private sector and government seem to be working separately so at the end of the day the benefit is not realised. There should be consistent visitation to this area. Extension services limited to technical expertise but then when it comes to other services like the Ghana Export Promotion Authority visiting us to know exactly our problems it does not happen. They only try to put up public fora but which is even once a year,” he said.
Also, he said the value chain system in the sector; the partnership particularly within the private sector needs to be developed. “As a commercial and exporting farmer sometimes I suffer breach in the system. Sometimes I have a contract with small holder producers asking them to give me some kind of fruits and volumes but after signing agreement sometimes the fruits would be ready but they end up selling to other buyers” he explained.
He said there is also a challenge at the port because as a country we do not have vessels but depend on foreign ones that come to transport our perishable produce and so we do not have a control over the perishable items.
Labour has also become very difficult to get because the youth have all migrated to the cities and left the villages for the older generation to farm. Due to the aging workforce, productivity is low even though resources are available for production.
He recommended that through local government much emphasis should be laid on rural urban drift. Projects must be developed to keep the youth there and if farming is taken seriously we will get the youth back.
Albert said he is looking forward to expand Albe farms but is constrained by the issue of labour saying that there is need to develop the skills of the youth.
He is mostly self-taught and researches extensively to get buyers. To him, it is expensive to be attending fairs always and that there should be specific fairs for each exporter. “Now that I have the market am concerned about how to increase production and improve quality. The demand for pepper and pineapple is now on the increase therefore if Ghana should have about 10 percent of the market share it would benefit immensely”.
Albert has a BSc in agribusiness but read business at the advance level. “I have entrepreneurial spirit in me so I did self studies on these areas because I realised it has a long value chain”.
He hails from Akropong-Akuapem. He advised the youth to seek careers in agriculture saying, “It is lucrative if one invest his time and resources he will have a good pay back. The basic thing is to be well informed”.
Major finance relating to agriculture in Ghana is mostly short term and this Albert said does not boost agricultural production. “We normally have problems with our financiers and this should be addressed. If we could have a medium to long term finance we could have leverage. The Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund can do more by including transportation, growing, marketing and all others”.
As a way of giving back to his community, Albert has been facilitating and collaborating with non-government organisations like Essoko to build the capacity of farmers in the area to be able to reach more buyers.
The world fruit and vegetables market is expected to exceed US$735 billion by 2015, representing 25 per cent growth over five years. By 2015, the market is predicted to reach over 690 million tons in volume, up 5 per cent compared with 2010.
The Food and Agriculture Organization reports the exports of fruit and vegetables generate around $45 billion. The global fruit and vegetables market is concentrated, with the 50 top companies accounting for 70 per cent of revenue. The industry includes goods under various forms like canned, frozen, concentrated and dehydrated products. Fruit and vegetables are processed to make juices, jams, chutneys, pickles and jellies. Vegetables represent almost 65 per cent of the overall market, according to research from MarketLine.
Albert added that food security offers a great business opportunity for Africa as the whole world now looks up to Africa for food. Albe Farms has received US$9,400 grant from SNV Netherlands development organisation to improve production to be able to reach overseas markets and also help connect them to new local markets including pineapple juice producers.
SNV has been working with pineapple growers in Ghana since 2006, and is active in five regions. SNV’s work in the pineapple sector currently reaches over 5,500 individual farmers, through 184 cooperatives around Ghana.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Attract youth into farming
Story: Ama Amankwah Baafi
A COMMERCIAL farmer and exporter of horticultural products, Mr Albert Amponsah, has called on local government authorities to devise ways of making farming attractive to the youth in their localities since the venture has the solution to the country’s unemployment problem.
Mr Amponsah, who has been farming and exporting a good quantity of pineapples, pepper and other vegetables to Europe and Asia, said farming was a lucrative business which should be supported, and the youth encouraged to engage in it.
He told the Daily Graphic in an exclusive interview on his farm at Amanfrom, near Nsawam in the Eastern Region, that every local assembly should identify crops that grew well in their localities, support their cultivation with research and capital, while re-orienting the youth to take interest in the trade, especially as agriculture had now become the sole preserve of the aged in the communities.
“The local assemblies need to come out with creative ways of making agriculture viable at the district level. There should be projects to attract the youth, and we can only attract them if farming is well supported,” he stressed.
Mr Amponsah prefers that the Youth-in-Agric programme, although laudable, was not limited to maize and a few grains. Rather, every district should identify the crops in which they had comparative advantage so that, with their knowledge and the appropriate soil type, they could make the best use of their resources.
“For example, in Nsawam, we have an advantage of growing pineapples, thus, the youth here will hardly take you seriously if you start a programme here that concentrates on maize,” he advised.
He explained that the country, in general, had enormous potential for growing horticultural products to feed the local market, as well as for export, but that had to be structured to enable each local area to concentrate on their strength.
Mr Amponsah took to farming right after his six form education in mid-1990s. He has gone on to subject his farming practices and procedures to international certification which has now opened the door for him to export directly to buyers mostly in Europe.
Albe Farms, name of Mr Amponsah’s farm, has consequently grown to the point where he employs five administrative assistants and 100 farmers, mostly out-grower farmers.
Mr Amponsah also called for a deepening of public-private partnerships in farming, explaining that such partnerships would help bridge the gap between the differing priorities of the government and the private sector, which in many cases were not aligned for the same direction.
“Mostly, the private sector looks this way, and the government also, elsewhere. When this happens, the shared benefits that should come with the use of national resources does not accrue to all,” the commercial farmer intimated.
He said the partnerships could be developed along the agricultural value chain from inputs to the growing of crops, storage, transportation, processing and marketing, adding that such partnerships would also crush the bureaucracies associated with decision-making on issues that affected farming in the country.
The Albe Farms chief executive also wants regulatory authorities such as officials from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) to pay visits to their farms to familiarise themselves with their challenges, since the exporters forum alone could not address the issues holistically.
CILT awards launched
Story: Ama Amankwah Baafi
THE Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has launched the Tema 2011 Excellence Awards on the theme, “Driving Efficiency and Innovation to Improve Capacity at the Ports of Ghana”.
The maiden CILT awards being organised in collaboration with Corporative Initiative Ghana (CIG), organisers of the prestigious Ghana Banking Awards, is scheduled to take place in Accra later in the year.
Proposed corporate categories of the awards include freight forwarding, stevedoring and haulage companies, freight consolidators, transit trade, inland container depots, shipping lines agencies and transshipment trade.
There would be special awards for excellent performance outside the above ranges, but related to transport and logistics : overall best transport and logistics organisation of the year.
CILT is the international professional body for logistics and transport professionals and was established in Ghana in 1982. Currently, it has four regional branches in Accra, Takoradi, Tema and, recently, Kumasi.
The Tema branch of the CILT instituted the excellence awards to promote excellence, quality service and efficiency in the industry and it will cover the activities of all industry players in 2011.
The Chairman of the CILT, Tema, Mr Kumi Adjei Sam, outlined the specific objectives of the CILT awards are: “to promote and repackage the industry for better public perception; showcase best performing industry players for improved confidence and business patronage; to formally recognise the contribution of practitioners in the transport and logistics sector to the economic prosperity of Ghana and to sustain the interest of professionals”.
The individual categories are Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS officer), Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority(GPHA)/Port Manager, logistics and transport woman and shipper of the year, and best haulage driver.
Mr Sam said as a novel concept and to ensure fair play and the participation of key industry players, an awards technical committee has been constituted to come out with the modalities and relevant rules and regulations to govern the successful organisation and participation in the event.
“As a novel idea we expect a number of teething problems with funding, deriving data and reliable data. We are, therefore, fine tuning the ideas for continuous improvements. It is also expected that the scope will be expanded based on where verifiable data and feedback will be generated,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of CIG, Mr Afotey Odarteifio, assured CIG would bring its expertise to promote efficiency through competition in the transport and logistics sector, after 11 years as a distinguished performance enhancement organisation, venturing into insurance and rural banking to promote efficiency.
Exporters unhappy with banks disbursing EDAIF facility
Story: Ama Amankwah Baafi
EXPORTERS in the country are unhappy with the Enterprise Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF) for entrusting its credit facility to banks to disburse to them and other interested institutions.
They said such an arrangement caused delays and increased the cost of the facility to their beneficiaries.
The exporters raised the issue at the 73rd national exporters’ forum in Accra yesterday. It was organised by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), in collaboration with EDAIF, on the theme: “Enhancing Performance of the Export Sector for Economic Development.”
The exporters also wondered why the designated banks and other non-bank financial institutions were lending EDAIF’s credit to them at 12 per cent as against the fund’s 1.2 per cent rate.
The exporters said some of the banks intentionally delayed their applications for credit from EDAIF.
Reacting to their concerns, a Manager at the Export Development Programmes Directorate at EDAIF, Mr Frank Obeng, said the fund as a public sector organisation had no choice than to advance credit to the businesses, especially those that needed it most.
“We at EDAIF do not have the capacity to lend credit and recover. We pass it through the banks and that it is because, experiences have showed that most people hardly pay back their loans,” he explained.
He admitted that there were challenges but said the management and board of the fund were working to address them.
He urged the exporters and other beneficiaries of the fund’s credit facility to remain calm while those challenges were sorted out.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Joseph S. Annan, acknowledged the concerns of the exporters and promised to look into it.
“It is not encouraging that government makes efforts to find funds only for it to go through so many hooks. That can defeat the objectives of the entire thing,” he said.
The EDAIF was set up to provide financial support to businesses as part of measures aimed at boosting exports. The fund currently disbusrses facilities to businesses in two forms; in grants and credit component.
Unlike the credit facility which supports businesses to expand their operations, the grant is aimed at boosting the infrastructure network of businesses.
Turkey cashes in on Ephesus
By Ama Amankwah Baafi
Courtesy, Turkish Airlines
Ephesus is considered one of the great out-door museums of Turkey, perhaps in the world. Reading stories about Ephesus in the bible sounds like a myth, but a visit to Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey, proves that everything said in the book of Ephesus is real.
Ephesus, which is in the western part of Asia Minor, also called Anatolia and which today forms part of the Republic of Turkey, was one of the places Apostle Paul delivered his famous speech aimed at turning the people away from the worship of Diana, a Greek goddess. Though the city is in ruins, it still attracts lovers of archaeology and tourists, especially Christians.
About 10,000 tourists visit the ruins of Ephesus daily, especially during summer holidays. Each visitor is made to pay €11 and by extension €110,000 is amassed daily.
Ephesus could be described as one of the cash cows of the tourism industry in Turkey, with about 5000 people employed directly and indirectly. This is helping the economy of Turkey to stand on its feet while neighbouring economies are under pressure from the Eurozone debt crises.
People, particularly Catholics from countries such as Mexico, United States, France, Germany, and Korea, among others, come in droves to Ephesus. “Visiting Ephesus makes me understand what the bible says,” said Oscar from Mexico.
High on the list of places to visit in Ephesus is the bronze statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus, which was erected by the American society of Ephesus. The name Ephesus does not only remind one of the city itself, but also calls to mind Artemis (the goddess of hunting and the chase), the Church of St. John and the Church of St. Mary.
No visitor to Ephesus neglects to visit the remains of the Church of St, Mary, which is interesting not only from the spiritual point of view, but also for its architecture.
“Ephesus reminds us of great Christian leaders like St John and St, Mary who lived a life of meditation and it further brings Christianity into the mind of the modern believer,” said Amanda Clark from US.
However, the distance between St John and St Mary is about 10 kilometres and if you wish to see the monuments you should spend a whole day there. When you spend a night in Seljuk, you will not only be able to see the history and the wonders of centuries past and house of Virgin Mary which was discovered through the vision of a pious Bohemian woman, but you will also enjoy the hospitality and customs of the Turkish people.
People of different backgrounds especially Catholics, go there to pray in the house that mother Mary was believed to have lived with St Joseph after the death of Jesus.
Also at Ephesus can be found the tomb in which St John was buried. It is now known that there are five small graves around the tomb of St John. It is supposed that upon his wish, the other graves formed the shape of a cross with his tomb.
Other notable sites in Ephesus are a baptism pond and holy water pipes from which people fetch to their destinations for various uses. Hanging on the wall are millions of prayer requests by visitors to the site.
The Gate of Pursuit is on the southern tip of the slope of the castle of Ayasuluk, situated on a hill to the right of the Izmir-Ephesus highway. The chapel, with frescoes, is a small, wooden roofed chapel to the north of the tomb, dating from the 10th century.
When you look at the west over Ayasuluk hill, you face the Isa Bey Mosque erected in 1375 by Isa Bey, the son of Mehmet Bey from the Aydinogullar dynasty of Seljuk. The stadium occupies an area of 229metres by 295 metres and was built in the time of Emperor Nero in the first century A.D. (54–58).
You come across the harbour baths, the remnants of these buildings constructed with huge stones and gracefully carved marble, between the Double Churches and the Harbour Street.
There are those selling souvenirs ranging from handicrafts, books, clothes, etc, all made in Turkey. It is about six kilometres from the house of Mary to the old city of Ephesus, which is 13 kilometres square.
Notable things at the city include the fig tree and a handmade pipe system that carried water to various parts of the city. The old time technology that was used showed the prowess of the people.
“It is exciting to see the fig tree for real,” stated Sarah Maaku Tetteh from Ghana. From all indications, Turkey is making efforts as a nation to maintain its tourist attractions, knowing that is where the money comes from currently.
Though most tourist sites are old, a visit there gives one a feeling of how the place used to be.
Courtesy, Turkish Airlines
Ephesus is considered one of the great out-door museums of Turkey, perhaps in the world. Reading stories about Ephesus in the bible sounds like a myth, but a visit to Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey, proves that everything said in the book of Ephesus is real.
Ephesus, which is in the western part of Asia Minor, also called Anatolia and which today forms part of the Republic of Turkey, was one of the places Apostle Paul delivered his famous speech aimed at turning the people away from the worship of Diana, a Greek goddess. Though the city is in ruins, it still attracts lovers of archaeology and tourists, especially Christians.
About 10,000 tourists visit the ruins of Ephesus daily, especially during summer holidays. Each visitor is made to pay €11 and by extension €110,000 is amassed daily.
Ephesus could be described as one of the cash cows of the tourism industry in Turkey, with about 5000 people employed directly and indirectly. This is helping the economy of Turkey to stand on its feet while neighbouring economies are under pressure from the Eurozone debt crises.
People, particularly Catholics from countries such as Mexico, United States, France, Germany, and Korea, among others, come in droves to Ephesus. “Visiting Ephesus makes me understand what the bible says,” said Oscar from Mexico.
High on the list of places to visit in Ephesus is the bronze statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus, which was erected by the American society of Ephesus. The name Ephesus does not only remind one of the city itself, but also calls to mind Artemis (the goddess of hunting and the chase), the Church of St. John and the Church of St. Mary.
No visitor to Ephesus neglects to visit the remains of the Church of St, Mary, which is interesting not only from the spiritual point of view, but also for its architecture.
“Ephesus reminds us of great Christian leaders like St John and St, Mary who lived a life of meditation and it further brings Christianity into the mind of the modern believer,” said Amanda Clark from US.
However, the distance between St John and St Mary is about 10 kilometres and if you wish to see the monuments you should spend a whole day there. When you spend a night in Seljuk, you will not only be able to see the history and the wonders of centuries past and house of Virgin Mary which was discovered through the vision of a pious Bohemian woman, but you will also enjoy the hospitality and customs of the Turkish people.
People of different backgrounds especially Catholics, go there to pray in the house that mother Mary was believed to have lived with St Joseph after the death of Jesus.
Also at Ephesus can be found the tomb in which St John was buried. It is now known that there are five small graves around the tomb of St John. It is supposed that upon his wish, the other graves formed the shape of a cross with his tomb.
Other notable sites in Ephesus are a baptism pond and holy water pipes from which people fetch to their destinations for various uses. Hanging on the wall are millions of prayer requests by visitors to the site.
The Gate of Pursuit is on the southern tip of the slope of the castle of Ayasuluk, situated on a hill to the right of the Izmir-Ephesus highway. The chapel, with frescoes, is a small, wooden roofed chapel to the north of the tomb, dating from the 10th century.
When you look at the west over Ayasuluk hill, you face the Isa Bey Mosque erected in 1375 by Isa Bey, the son of Mehmet Bey from the Aydinogullar dynasty of Seljuk. The stadium occupies an area of 229metres by 295 metres and was built in the time of Emperor Nero in the first century A.D. (54–58).
You come across the harbour baths, the remnants of these buildings constructed with huge stones and gracefully carved marble, between the Double Churches and the Harbour Street.
There are those selling souvenirs ranging from handicrafts, books, clothes, etc, all made in Turkey. It is about six kilometres from the house of Mary to the old city of Ephesus, which is 13 kilometres square.
Notable things at the city include the fig tree and a handmade pipe system that carried water to various parts of the city. The old time technology that was used showed the prowess of the people.
“It is exciting to see the fig tree for real,” stated Sarah Maaku Tetteh from Ghana. From all indications, Turkey is making efforts as a nation to maintain its tourist attractions, knowing that is where the money comes from currently.
Though most tourist sites are old, a visit there gives one a feeling of how the place used to be.
Transport and logistics operatos must be up and doing
By Ama Amankwah Baafi
The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours and Authority (GPHA), Mr R.A.Y Anamoo, has urged stakeholders in the transport and logistics industry to work hard to promote efficiency in the discharge of their duties and provide customer satisfaction.
He said the maritime industry for instance is facing tough times as ports are always congested and asked “Is it artificial or are we contributing to the situation. Shipping lines refuse to pay stevedoring companies swiftly. How fast are customers served and what are companies doing to ensure that shippers are at peace that their goods would arrive safely”, he asked.
Speaking at the launch of the maiden Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) award for Tema, he charged CILT to do thorough evaluation to ensure that professionalism and efficiency is achieved through the awards.
The theme for the awards is “Driving Efficiency and Innovation to Improve Capacity and Performance at the Ports of Ghana”. CILT Tema is organising the awards in collaboration with the CIG.
Experts say the gains that could be derived from improvement in the logistics and transport industry is a vital component of trade.
Research has shown that the cost of logistics pose a greater barrier to trade than import tariffs and make up a larger part of the delivered cost of food products, increasing food price, and thus has large impact on poverty.
Logistics involves the management of the flow of resources, not only goods, between the point of origin and the point of destination in order to meet the requirements of customers, while transport is the movement of products and people from one point to another via air, sea, road and rail.
According to the Executive Secretary of Corporate Initiative Ghana (CIG), Mr Afotey Odarteifio, it has become imperative for Ghana to work to improve further the efficiency in the transport and logistics industry since the gains can be quite significant.
“I believe the transport and logistics sector is doing fine but it could do better because studies attest to the potency of competition in driving improved performance in the transport and logistics sector,” he stated
He said for most countries that are pursuing export led growth strategies, a key component is an effective and efficient logistics framework that addresses the full spectrum of the value and production chain to reduce distribution and processing costs.
A logistics framework, he said includes hardware, which is the physical infrastructure needed to move goods effectively, and software which is the associated and processes needed to move and trade goods effectively.
The National President of CILT, Mr Godwin Mensah said as a measure to ensure professionalism in the industry and maximize its role to economic development, professional programmes are being run at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Takoradi Polytechnic.
Proposed corporate categories of the awards include freight forwarding, stevedoring and haulage companies, freight consolidators, transit trade, inland container depots, shipping lines agencies and transshipment trade.
The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours and Authority (GPHA), Mr R.A.Y Anamoo, has urged stakeholders in the transport and logistics industry to work hard to promote efficiency in the discharge of their duties and provide customer satisfaction.
He said the maritime industry for instance is facing tough times as ports are always congested and asked “Is it artificial or are we contributing to the situation. Shipping lines refuse to pay stevedoring companies swiftly. How fast are customers served and what are companies doing to ensure that shippers are at peace that their goods would arrive safely”, he asked.
Speaking at the launch of the maiden Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) award for Tema, he charged CILT to do thorough evaluation to ensure that professionalism and efficiency is achieved through the awards.
The theme for the awards is “Driving Efficiency and Innovation to Improve Capacity and Performance at the Ports of Ghana”. CILT Tema is organising the awards in collaboration with the CIG.
Experts say the gains that could be derived from improvement in the logistics and transport industry is a vital component of trade.
Research has shown that the cost of logistics pose a greater barrier to trade than import tariffs and make up a larger part of the delivered cost of food products, increasing food price, and thus has large impact on poverty.
Logistics involves the management of the flow of resources, not only goods, between the point of origin and the point of destination in order to meet the requirements of customers, while transport is the movement of products and people from one point to another via air, sea, road and rail.
According to the Executive Secretary of Corporate Initiative Ghana (CIG), Mr Afotey Odarteifio, it has become imperative for Ghana to work to improve further the efficiency in the transport and logistics industry since the gains can be quite significant.
“I believe the transport and logistics sector is doing fine but it could do better because studies attest to the potency of competition in driving improved performance in the transport and logistics sector,” he stated
He said for most countries that are pursuing export led growth strategies, a key component is an effective and efficient logistics framework that addresses the full spectrum of the value and production chain to reduce distribution and processing costs.
A logistics framework, he said includes hardware, which is the physical infrastructure needed to move goods effectively, and software which is the associated and processes needed to move and trade goods effectively.
The National President of CILT, Mr Godwin Mensah said as a measure to ensure professionalism in the industry and maximize its role to economic development, professional programmes are being run at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Takoradi Polytechnic.
Proposed corporate categories of the awards include freight forwarding, stevedoring and haulage companies, freight consolidators, transit trade, inland container depots, shipping lines agencies and transshipment trade.
GEPA adopts new marketing modules
THE Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has adopted a strategy to promote and find markets for targeted sectors of the country’s non-traditional export commodities.
The authority has, therefore, indicated that it would henceforth not lump all commodities from different industries for promotions and marketing. Instead, it will identify specific commodities each year for promotion and marketing.
This means that the authority will now identify specific markets or countries that demand for any commodity in the non-traditional sector before export.
Consequently, the authority has therefore prepared some guidelines for Ghanaian exporters in conducting sales in targeted markets.
The Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Dr Kwadwo Owusu Agyeman said all these interventions were geared towards improving efficiency.
Speaking to the GRAPHIC BUSINESS on the sidelines of a national exporters forum in Accra, Dr Agyemang said the authority is providing technical assistance and facilitating market linkages to help individual firms to maximise market opportunities.
He said the Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF) was giving three times the amount previously given to exporters to process their goods.
“The money EDAIF gives us is now being used for better programmes. It is not an indictment on previous management but just new ways to improve efficiency. Not only are we making more revenue by our activities but the name of Ghana is being held high outside the country”, he said.
He said GEPA was ready to work towards the achievement of US$5 billion target in non- traditional exports (NTEs) revenue by 2016.
The 2011 NTE statistics revealed that exports of non-traditional products amounted to US$2.423 billion against a target of US$1.8 billion, representing an increase of 48.74 per cent over the 2010 earnings of US$1.629 billion.
Dr Agyeman attributed the success to the hard work and ingenuity of exporters.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Joseph S. Annan said the impressive growth in NTEs was significant, saying “it is an indication that we are on course to achieve our target and even exceed it.”
Most of the traders at the forum said they still encountered problems sending goods to West African countries despite the presence of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).
In view of the challenges exporters face in accessing the ECOWAS market, the World Bank has approved US$90 million grant to finance the Abidjan-Lagos Trade Facilitation Project to reduce trade and transportation barriers within the ECOWAS sub-region.
The national exporters’ forum is aimed at finding on the spot solutions to challenges exporters face in business and to create platform to educate them on new programmes by GEPA and partners involved in export trade.
The authority has, therefore, indicated that it would henceforth not lump all commodities from different industries for promotions and marketing. Instead, it will identify specific commodities each year for promotion and marketing.
This means that the authority will now identify specific markets or countries that demand for any commodity in the non-traditional sector before export.
Consequently, the authority has therefore prepared some guidelines for Ghanaian exporters in conducting sales in targeted markets.
The Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Dr Kwadwo Owusu Agyeman said all these interventions were geared towards improving efficiency.
Speaking to the GRAPHIC BUSINESS on the sidelines of a national exporters forum in Accra, Dr Agyemang said the authority is providing technical assistance and facilitating market linkages to help individual firms to maximise market opportunities.
He said the Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF) was giving three times the amount previously given to exporters to process their goods.
“The money EDAIF gives us is now being used for better programmes. It is not an indictment on previous management but just new ways to improve efficiency. Not only are we making more revenue by our activities but the name of Ghana is being held high outside the country”, he said.
He said GEPA was ready to work towards the achievement of US$5 billion target in non- traditional exports (NTEs) revenue by 2016.
The 2011 NTE statistics revealed that exports of non-traditional products amounted to US$2.423 billion against a target of US$1.8 billion, representing an increase of 48.74 per cent over the 2010 earnings of US$1.629 billion.
Dr Agyeman attributed the success to the hard work and ingenuity of exporters.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Joseph S. Annan said the impressive growth in NTEs was significant, saying “it is an indication that we are on course to achieve our target and even exceed it.”
Most of the traders at the forum said they still encountered problems sending goods to West African countries despite the presence of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).
In view of the challenges exporters face in accessing the ECOWAS market, the World Bank has approved US$90 million grant to finance the Abidjan-Lagos Trade Facilitation Project to reduce trade and transportation barriers within the ECOWAS sub-region.
The national exporters’ forum is aimed at finding on the spot solutions to challenges exporters face in business and to create platform to educate them on new programmes by GEPA and partners involved in export trade.
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