The Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC), in partnership with the Regional and District Departments of Agriculture, has officially launched the 2025 Eastern Commodity Satellite Market Fair (ECSMF), a flagship initiative aimed at promoting agribusiness and agricultural industrialisation in the region.
The 5th edition of the fair, themed “Shaping the Future of Agricultural Industrialisation Through Strategic Investment,” will take place from Monday, September 1 to Friday, September 5, 2025. The fair will showcase a wide array of agricultural commodities and value-added products, offering a strategic platform for networking, innovation and investment.
Speaking at the launch, the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, described the fair as a transformative tool to position the Eastern Region as a leading agro-industrial hub in Ghana.
“This fair will connect our farmers directly with buyers, processors, exporters and investors. It will promote value-added products made from local commodities and attract the strategic investment needed to develop agro-processing infrastructure,” she said.
The Eastern region minister also highlighted the alignment of the fair with government’s Feed Ghana program, which seeks to enhance agricultural productivity through improved seeds, fertilizers and sustainable farming methods.
She noted that value addition and agricultural modernisation would help establish agro-processing zones and factories, generating employment and stimulating economic growth.
The Eastern region minister reaffirmed the ERCC’s commitment to supporting agribusiness development through strategic policy implementation, improved rural infrastructure and the promotion of inclusive value chain participation.
“We are ready to facilitate agribusiness by providing a platform for farmers, processors and input dealers to engage with new market opportunities, technology and investment,” she emphasised.
Madam Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey lauded the collaborative efforts of key partners, including Joy Industries Limited, Joy Daddy Multimedia, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ghana Enterprise Agency and the FDA for their contributions toward strengthening the region’s agricultural value chain.
The 2025 ECSMF promises to be a landmark event in advancing agribusiness, fostering youth participation and positioning the Eastern Region as a national model for agricultural industrialisation.
A Platform for Transformation
Eastern Regional Director of Agriculture, Hajia Habiba Yusif, emphasised that the ECSMF represents the region’s strong commitment to agricultural transformation and rural economic empowerment.
“This fair reflects our shared goal of building resilient market linkages and driving agro-industrialisation. It offers a vital space for innovation, knowledge sharing and access to financing,” she said.
She encouraged stakeholders including development partners, private investors and industry players to collaborate and support the initiative as a model for sustainable rural development and inclusive economic growth.
FDA Endorses Agribusiness Agenda
Also addressing the gathering, Ms. Anita Owusu-Kuffour, Eastern Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) said the ECSMF aligns with the national vision of transforming agriculture through quality assurance and market regulation.
“Structured markets like the ECSMF strengthen the agricultural value chain by promoting regulatory compliance, product traceability and food safety,” she stated.
Ms. Owusu-Kuffour reiterated FDA’s ongoing support for small and medium agribusinesses through initiatives like the Progressive Licensing Scheme (PLS), a step-by-step approach to help businesses meet licensing requirements.
She also announced the launch of the “Buy Ghana, Love Ghana” campaign, aimed at promoting locally made products, creating jobs and supporting the national economy.
“This campaign encourages Ghanaians to prioritise Made-in-Ghana goods and promote awareness of their quality, affordability and economic benefits,” she added.
