In efforts to support Ghana’s garment manufacturing industry, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, together with its partners - Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA), Gerber, Groz Beckert, Freudenberg and Accra Technical Training College (ATTC), have officially launched the Ghana Apparel Training & Service Centre, in Accra.

The launch forms part of a public-private partnership between the German Federal Government and Ghana’s private sector.

With funding from the German Federal government, this initiative falls under the GIZ implemented develoPPP.de programme. The key objective is to strengthen export-oriented small and medium-sized apparel manufactures to create socially responsible jobs.

The GIZ develoPPP.de programme will work in close cooperation with the ATTC, to support skills gaps by providing appropriate training and services to current and future potential factory employees.

In his remarks, the Team Lead for develoPPP.de programme, Christian Wollnik said “the aim is to train 500 individuals in various subjects by mid-2022 and to provide further technical services to small and medium-sized clothing manufacturers. Ultimately, this should stimulate growth in the whole industry and contribute to the creation of 1200 new jobs in garment factories.”

Mr. Wollnik added “this project is however much more than just training a certain number of people. Together with the College, we will create sustainable structures at the Training Centre that help to tap the enormous potential of the Ghanaian garment industry in the upcoming years.”

The co-founder of Ethical Apparel Africa, Keren Pybus in his address said “the demand for clothing made in Ghana is definitely growing for various reasons such as AGOA, fast shipping times to the US and Europe and competitive costings. However, we need to grow the export compliant capacity and skills level to meet the needs of international brands and retailers. Not only in terms of lead time, price, and quality, but also in terms of sustainability.”

The centre offers training and services in different areas of expertise like manual and digital pattern making, sewing machine mechanics, industrial engineering, and social compliance.

About GIZ

As a provider of international cooperation services for sustainable development and international education work, GIZ is dedicated to building a future worth living around the world.

GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy and the environment, and peace and security.