The Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, says government is keen on supporting Ghana’s textile and garment industry to drive job creation and economic transformation.

He indicated the Government’s broader agenda of empowering local industries to support national growth, create sustainable jobs, and promote Made-in-Ghana products both locally and internationally.

Mr Ahi reaffirmed this commitment during a working visit to the Ajabeng textiles and garment enclave in Accra.

The visit formed part of efforts to familiarise himself with the operations of companies within the enclave and to explore ways the government can further assist them to thrive under strategic policies like the 24-hour economy.

Beginning his tour at the Dignity DTRT Textile Company, Mr Ahi was warmly received by the Chief Executive Officer, Wasantha Perera, and the Managing Director, Salma Salifu.

The company, which currently employs more than 6,000 workers and exports exclusively to international brands like Fruit of the Loom and Walmart, expressed enthusiasm for government’s 24-hour economy policy.

The management said Dignity DTRT already operated in line with this agenda and was eager to expand operations if granted access to adjoining lands.

At Sleek Garment Export Ltd, owned by the renowned entrepreneur, Nora Bannerman, the Deputy Minister was briefed on the company’s achievements and challenges.

The company, known for its high-quality exports and its contribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) materials during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted its potential to scale up production if supported with space and modern cutting machines.

“If you make quality your hallmark, you can never go wrong,” Ms. Bannerman said, adding that internship opportunities were provided to groom the next generation of garment professionals.

The deputy minister also visited Sixteen/47, a company owned by Nura Archer, which produces uniforms for the Ghana Army and engages in occasional exports.

Management shared challenges regarding trade across West African borders, lamenting that it takes up to seven weeks to transport goods to Nigeria by road due to bureaucratic bottlenecks.

They expressed hope that government intervention could ease regional trade and open new markets.

Mr Ahi’s tour also took him to Global Garments and Textiles Ltd., Damaris Garments, and Nallem Clothing, which are key players in the textile industry.

All three companies expressed appreciation for the government’s renewed focus and support, pledging to create more employment if granted the necessary assistance.

At Bulluk Ghana Ltd., a firm specialising in traditional and specialised sewing, the Deputy Minister was impressed with the in-house technical team that ensured machines were constantly operational.

Common among all the companies visited was a united call for increased government contracts, expanded access to land, modern machinery, and support for training.

Many also advocated inclusive employment policies, including the consideration of Persons with Disability (PWDs), as the government rolls out its 24-hour economy programme.

The deputy minister assured the companies that government would explore ways to absorb the training costs of entry-level workers to reduce the burden on smaller factories.

“We recognise your role in job creation and national development, and we will work together to ensure a thriving local industry that benefits both businesses and citizens,” he said.

The Deputy Minister’s tour underscored government’s broader agenda of empowering local industries to support national growth, create sustainable jobs, and promote Made-in-Ghana products, both locally and internationally.