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10.03.2005 General News

"Obroni Waawu" contribute to clothe the poor - minister

10.03.2005 LISTEN
By Graphic

A deputy minister-designate for trade and industry, Mr Asiedu Afram, has stated that he is against the banning of second-hand clothes, since they contribute to clothe the poor in the country. He said it was almost impossible to ban second-hand clothes, since they had a wide appeal in the country.

Answering questions before the vetting committee in Parliament yesterday, Mr Afram said there was also the urgent need to encourage exporters to package their products properly. He pointed out that the ministry was organising courses and seminars for importers on good packaging.

In an answer on his views on the effective packaging of 'koobi' for export, Mr Afram noted that there could be the possibility of spraying such an export with some fragrance to reduce the pungent smell and make it more wholesome. He also stated that one of the agenda of the ministry was to appoint trade representatives in Asia.

He said the ministry intended to make use of Ghanaians or local people to represent Ghana as trade representatives in those countries.

He said Ghana had received 11 applications from potential trade representatives abroad and stressed that the applications were being screened.

When it came to the turn of the deputy minister-designate for tourism and modernization of the capital city, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, he said PANAFEST was an important festival which was drawing Ghanaians and people in the Diaspora together.

Answering a question from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member for Berekum, Capt Nkrabea Effah Dartey (retd), Mr Asamoah Boateng said there had been an improvement in the festival which he said had brought Ghanaians together and also encouraged domestic tourism.

He noted that when he was given the nod, he would assist in the packaging of products to tourists, as well as train local people to get actively involved in the industry.

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