Swiss Ambassador Urges Ghana to Diversify Trade, Add Value to Local Exports

Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, has made a compelling case for Ghana to broaden its economic base, emphasizing the urgent need to diversify trade and move beyond reliance on traditional exports like cocoa and gold.

Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Ambassador Giger acknowledged the strong and historic ties between the two nations, particularly in trade, cocoa partnerships, and environmental collaboration, but stressed that Ghana must evolve its economic strategy to remain globally competitive.

“In boosting the economy, I feel that Ghana’s economy and trade should be more diversified, I would be super happy if one day I could go to a Swiss market and buy clothes made in Ghana, handcrafts made in Ghana, or even chocolate made in Ghana.” she said.

Her remarks reflect a growing consensus among development partners and trade analysts that Ghana’s over-dependence on raw commodity exports constrains its ability to build resilience against global price shocks, create sustainable jobs, and increase foreign exchange earnings.

Ambassador Giger called for greater value addition in local production processes, highlighting that such a shift could not only strengthen Ghana’s export portfolio but also enhance the international appeal of Ghanaian-made products.

She expressed optimism about the country’s untapped potential in manufacturing, fashion, agriculture, and artisanal craftsmanship, suggesting that with the right policies and investment, Ghanaian products could achieve global shelf presence.

Switzerland, a top buyer of Ghanaian cocoa, has long advocated for responsible sourcing and fair trade. In recent years, both countries have also deepened collaboration on climate protection, particularly through partnerships involving Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“We will continue our cooperation in environmental and climate protection, and I really hope other countries will see what we have done,” Giger added.

“We learn from our experiences, and I hope Ghana will get praise for the work it has done with the EPA in leading some climate initiatives.”

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