Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) is calling on the government to support the textile industry, which is facing stiff competition from cheap imports from countries like Nigeria and India.
The association has acquired a one-acre land in Greater Accra for a resource centre and is seeking financial support to standardize their work and revive the dying sector.
Speaking at GNTDA Greater Accra Maiden Regional Conference at EL _WAK sports stadium, Mr Abdul Aziz Ali, Greater Accra Regional chairman says the textile industry in Ghana is struggling due to the lack of government support, leading to the collapse of the cotton sector, which was once a major source of livelihood for thousands of small farmers in northern Ghana.
He added that the industry is also facing stiff competition from cheap imports, making it difficult for local textile companies to compete.
To address these challenges, GNTDA is proposing the establishment of a textile training institute and the revival of the cotton industry through projects like the Ghana Cotton and Textiles Project. This project aims to produce cotton in commercial quantities, process it across the entire value chain, and establish a textile training institute.
The industry is urging the government to focus on opening more factories, particularly Tesla garment factories, to provide fabrics at a lower rate, encouraging locals to buy from them instead of imported alternatives. This support is crucial for the survival and growth of the textile industry in Ghana.
Mr. Joseph Tawiah Manfo, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA), is urgently calling on the government to provide vital support to the organization. Specifically, they need sewing machines and materials to empower learners after they complete their training.
This appeal highlights the challenges faced by the textile industry in Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region. The lack of essential equipment and resources hinders the growth and development of the industry.
The GNTDA aims to equip its members with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete in the global market. However, without adequate support, the industry risks stagnation.
Source: Oyerepafmonlne.com/Bernard K Dadzie