The Upper West Regional Coordinating Council's forecourt has been transformed into a bustling marketplace as the maiden Wa Vendors Expo takes place, bringing together vendors from across the country. The two-day trade fair, organised by Mary Baalie, CEO of Masung Royal Stores, aims to empower local startups and foster crucial wholesale connections.
A Marketplace for Local Startups
The Wa Vendors Expo has been a game-changer for participating startups, with high foot traffic and a diverse range of goods on display. At Stand 2, Kanton Farihana's Fari's Bag attracted a massive crowd, selling quality items such as cloth bags and towels for as little as GH₵10. Farihana was overwhelmed by the huge patronage, stating, "Since morning when I arrived, I've not rested… Because they are affordable and they are quality… I will always come, anytime."
Empowering Women in Business
The expo is primarily focused on empowering women, especially those in business, and it also helps create valuable business connections. Organiser Mary Baalie explained, "It's a trade fair that brings businesses together… We are primarily focused on empowering women, especially those in business, and it also helps create valuable business connections." Baalie noted that while many locals have the drive to do business, they often struggle to access wholesale suppliers directly.
A Vibrant Marketplace
The sheer variety of goods on display has kept attendees captivated and their wallets open. Taadu Amanda, representing Fragrance World by Ella, praised the initiative as an excellent platform to introduce the brand to a new audience, assuring buyers that their products can keep them smelling fresh for up to 48 hours. A representative of Naaj Collections, who travelled all the way from Tamale to participate, attracted curious buyers with a playful marketing pitch by advertising clothes for "only 1 Cedi" before revealing the actual, yet highly affordable, prices.
A Resounding Success
As the first event of its kind in the region, the Wa Vendors Expo is already proving to be a resounding success. It has not only provided a vital financial boost for emerging enterprises but has also firmly demonstrated that the Upper West Region has a strong appetite for dynamic, large-scale commercial opportunities. With the success of similar events previously held in Tamale, vendors are optimistic about their sales, with one vendor expressing hope that they will be going home with 50k by the end of the expo.
Source: Joy Online
