Ghana’s apparel manufacturing industry has been long talked by global apparel industry stakeholders and the country has some prominent factories working for global fashion brands.
Now, to empower the garment industry in Ghana, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has informed to launch a plan so that factories can fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
AGI is in discussions with key stakeholders to provide members with the necessary assistance to build their capacity for the export market.
Doris Nana Kessie, Sector Chairperson for Garments, Textiles, and Leather, AGI, stated during her recent familiarisation visit to Maagrace Garments Limited in Koforidua, “Regardless of the challenges, Ghana’s garment sector would benefit tremendously from the free trade if “it is well positioned.”
It’s worth noting here the familiarisation visit of AGI to the region was to meet and interact with industry workers to learn about their operations and challenges.
AfCFTA is a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a blueprint, for achieving inclusive and sustainable development across the continent over the next 50 years.
Krishantha Silva, General Manager of Maagrace Garments Limited, commented, “We would begin producing surgical masks once certifications were obtained,” adding, “The company was making changes to broaden its product base for the export market, and that “if this is done, it will result in the employment of more workers” at the factory.”
To uplift the industry in Ghana, Maagrace Garments Ltd. has also been considering a switch to a solar system due to the high cost of electric power, as per Paul Allen, Technical Director of the company.
The persistent challenges were also discussed during the visit and AGI said it would investigate the complaints about the difficulties in sourcing quality raw materials to ease the business environment in the country.
