Improving the quality and export competitiveness of Ghanaian products: Closing ceremony of WACOMP-Ghana celebrates EU-UNIDO successful partnership

On 16 October, the UNIDO-WACOMP Ghana project team, alongside stakeholders and beneficiaries, gathered in Accra to celebrate the impact achieved by the EU-funded project for Ghanaian SMEs over the past five years of implementation.

Through UNIDO’s 5 Cs technical approach to competitiveness (coordinate, compete, conform, connect, and credit), more than 48,000 Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), including over 31,000 women-owned businesses in the cassava, mango, pineapple, cosmetics, and personal care products value chains, have improved production and quality compliance and enhanced their competitiveness and capacity to access both domestic and international markets.

Sixteen new standards have been developed and promoted to enhance the quality and consumer protection of the SMEs products. This has resulted in steady productivity enhancement, sustainable and inclusive job creation, increased income for final beneficiaries, and a robust and efficient Quality Infrastructure system in Ghana.

At the closing ceremony, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana, declared: "WACOMP will forever stand as proof that investment in SMEs, agro-business and private sector development is a win for the local entrepreneurs, for the government and the people of Ghana.”

Mrs. Ebe MUSCHIALLI, UNIDO Project Manager praised the excellent results achieved thanks to the remarkably comprehensive and innovative approach of WACOMP Ghana. She highlighted that “the impact on Ghanaian SMEs has been tremendous and would not have been possible without the invaluable contribution of all the national partners and the precious support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Ghana, and the European Union”. 

The event fostered a spirit of continued collaboration and provided a platform for sharing best practices and success stories of supported SMEs, proving that sustainable growth and competitiveness are and have been achieved. It confirmed the commitment and readiness of the Ghanaian private and public sector actors to build synergies and partnerships, ensuring that the positive impacts of the WACOMP project will endure and expand in the years to come.

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For more information, please contact Ebe Muschialli: e.muschialli [at] unido.org (e[dot]muschialli[at]unido[dot]org)