Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has honoured the Managing Director of OHU Farms, Theresa Poku, at the Women Icons regional exhibition in Koforidua in the Eastern Region.
Mrs. Poku received a special citation for her outstanding role in contributing to the government’s objective of strengthening the local economy through her company’s investment in non-traditional export (NTE) products.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEPA, Dr Afua AsabeaAsare, made the presentation at the opening ceremony of the trade exhibition, held on Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Koforidua, during which occasion she praised Mrs. Poku for her ambitious efforts and used the opportunity to encourage young entrepreneurs to strive for excellence.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Director of Administration, Regional Coordinating Council, Moses KoblaJoshua, urged the corporate community to support female entrepreneurs to acquire the necessary skills, funding, and network opportunities that will help them succeed.
He said the government remains committed to providing viable avenues through the formulation of appropriate policies to shore up exports in order to rake in more foreign exchange.
He lauded GEPA for instituting the women icons regional exhibitions, adding that female entrepreneurs deserve to be celebrated as a way of encouraging more women to set up businesses.
“By fostering women’s engagement in global trade, we can foster gender equality, enhance social progress, and promote cross-cultural understanding,” he said.
Mrs. Poku expressed appreciation to GEPA for the gesture and called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector to encourage more investment in the processing of local goods for export.
Mrs. Theresa Poku is a farmer and businesswoman, who started pineapple farming along the southern belt of the Akuapem Hills, and now produces four varieties of jam for both the local and export markets.
She accepted a request to mentor young people under the Youth in Export Programme (YiEP) which was launched by GEPA in 2019 to inspire the youth to venture into exports and consequently increase Ghana’s non-traditional export base.
Now exploring opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), her company, which employs over 100 workers directly and indirectly, currently exports to Europe and the Middle East.
Women Icons is an initiative by GEPA in partnership with Access Bank, to promote female entrepreneurs and women-led businesses while building their capacity for the export market.
The exhibitors, numbering 39, also benefited from financial management education and social media marketing during the three-day event. As part of the 2023 edition, other regional capitals will host exhibitions where prominent female entrepreneurs will be celebrated.
