Economist Dr. Evans Nunoo has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s “Made in Ghana” campaign, noting that the initiative risks becoming more rhetoric than reality. Speaking on Focus FM’s TeknoKrat show with host Sika Audrey Dzifa, Dr. Nunoo argued that despite widespread public support for promoting local goods, little has been done to translate the goodwill into concrete action.
“Goodwill alone is not enough. We keep talking about Made in Ghana products but fail to take the necessary steps to make them competitive.
The challenge is inaction,” he said. He pointed out that the growth of the initiative depends on addressing critical issues such as quality, packaging, and accessibility of products on the local market.
Without these improvements, he believes consumers will continue to lean toward foreign brands. Dr. Nunoo also highlighted a lingering psychological hurdle: the colonial legacy that ties prestige and social class to imported goods.
“Many people feel using foreign products reflects a good life, and this perception has roots in colonialism. Until we address this mindset, local products will continue to struggle against imported ones,” he noted.
The economist further called on leaders to lead by example by patronizing Made in Ghana products themselves. He added that stronger investments in industrialization and value addition are necessary to position Ghanaian goods for both domestic and international competitiveness.
According to him, only a clear shift from talk to action will allow the country to unlock the true economic potential of its local industries.