Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, the CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has been allegedly fingered for using the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative as her personal “cash cow”.
According to the information gathered, Dr. Afua Asabea Asare is undermining AfCFTA which was designed to empower Ghanaian businesses and startups.
The information gathered from multiple sources revealed Dr. Asare allegedly created her own business name Na’ha Organics, which produces and exports products such as Shea Butter, Fonio Grain Rice, Organic Gari, Organic Dark Chocolate and others.
The CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority was reported supposed to sponsor some SMEs under the AfCFTA to an event in Kenya but instead, her brand was solely represented at the event in Kenya.
Dr. Afua Asabea Asare when contacted to respond to the allegation stated, “Mischief. Someone just put me there. Thank you. You can also come to the office to verify the veracity of the info as well as talk to our clients.”
Report suggests the Export Hub website where her company and products are listed, she has taken down all her products after reports started surfacing, Her company information on the ExportHub has disappeared with no traces.
The CEO products have dominated the GEPA-run trade houses, successfully shelving other SMEs that signed up for the program.
Dr. Afua Asabea Asare has also been allegedly accused of controlling funding and resources with Startups and SMEs claiming they are deprived of access to grants and funding opportunities under the initiative, they also accuse her of using their business profile to secure and divert their funds to her undertakings.
It has also been alleged that the CEO of GEPA is manipulating shipping channels redirecting all export orders from other African countries to her businesses.
Meanwhile, Ghanaian entrepreneurs are bearing the effect of these alleged corrupt practices level against Dr. Afua Asabea Asare who is undermining AfCFTA which was intended to empower Ghanaian local businesses and startups.
