The 17th Ghana International Trade Fair, which offers opportunities to exhibitors to promote their companies, goods and services, has been low-key.
The fair, which was opened four days ago under the theme, �Trade and Industry, heralding Ghana�s economic Growth,� attracted 100 foreign exhibitors and 320 local exhibitors.
However, the exhibitors, who paid between GH�350 and GH�2,040 for the stands, have expressed dissatisfaction with the development. A visit by City & Business Guide to the fair site revealed that entry to the place has been a major hindrance to the success of the fair.
The members of the public are required to pay an amount of GH�3.00 including clients of the Ghana Commercial Bank branch located at the trade fair premises.
There was serious misunderstanding at the gate as people were unhappy with the required gate fee. A gentleman, whose name was not disclosed to this paper, received hefty slaps from the some officers at the gate.
The gentleman, who had an argument with one of the officers for paying an amount at the gate before entering to withdraw money at the Bank, was beaten by the officers.
The atmosphere at the fair was dull, with few people moving around to buy products. In an interview with City & Business Guide, Enoch Nii Marley-Mai, one of the exhibitors from Solution Oasis Limited, complained bitterly about the gate fee.
He said the gate fee had contributed to low patronage of the fair by the public. �The gate fee should be at least GH�1 because people come in to ask of the prices of products but do not buy so making them pay GH�3 every day is quiet expensive,� Marley-Mai said.
He added that at the beginning of the fair, they encountered a few challenges with electricity but the situation is now under control.
Ophelia Adu, another exhibitor from Olite Manufacture Company, told the paper that �I believe you have noticed that there are no customers here. Since morning, sales have been really bad. People do not come here as compared to the previous trade fairs.�
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