The objective is to help build a vibrant local economy, which does not necessarily depend on mining, but other sectors such as agro and food processing, textiles and fashion industry, cosmetology, shoe-making and other viable trade ventures.

The project being executed under the Anglogold Ashanti's 'Social Management Plan', is crafted to improve Obuasi's economic development, thereby creating jobs and wealth for the people.

Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager, Sustainability, Anglogold Ashanti Ghana Limited, said it was intended to broaden the base of the local economy through investment promotion and developing business linkages.

"We are helping to create the requisite platform for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to harness and showcase their potentials," Mr. Baidoo told the opening session of the Obuasi Trade Show, being held at the Len Clay Black Park, Obuasi.

The six-day event is under the theme "Diversifying the Economy of Obuasi through Trade Promotion".

It is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry to assist local enterprises and entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and also establish linkages in order to expand their trade.

The Show targeted more than 200 SMEs at Obuasi, and on the sideline, the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) of the NBSSI is also sensitizing the participants on good business practices - packaging, design, branding, marketing, customer care, amongst others.

Mr. Baidoo said they were determined to work with traditional authorities, district assemblies and stakeholders to achieve economic prosperity.

Mr. Patrick Boakye-Yiadom, Member of Parliament for Obuasi-East, said the time has come for the nation to invest in industrialization since it was a prerequisite for sustainable development of the Ghanaian economy.

"It is in our own interest that we cultivate the habit of producing for ourselves what the people eat and wear. This is the beginning of economic emancipation," he said.

Nana Okofo Sabin Kan, the Chief of Dompoase, who chaired the opening session, stressed that regular trade shows and exhibition ought to be encouraged to provide local entrepreneurs with the impetus of building good brands for their businesses.