New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called for increased support for Ghana’s garment and apparel industry, highlighting its potential to create jobs, strengthen local businesses and contribute to economic growth.
Dr Bawumia made the call following a meeting with the Association of Garment and Apparel Manufacturers to discuss challenges affecting the sector and explore measures to improve its competitiveness in international markets.
He noted that Ghana had considerable opportunities to expand garment production but needed stronger support for local manufacturers to compete effectively with producers in other countries.
Comparing Ghana’s support for the industry with that provided by countries such as Bangladesh and Benin, Dr Bawumia said more needed to be done to develop the sector.
“We agreed that compared to countries such as Bangladesh and Benin, Ghana does not adequately support the garments industry. This must change going forward,” he said in a Facebook post after the meeting.
He expressed appreciation to the Association for its contributions, noting that the discussions would inform proposals to address the challenges facing garment and apparel manufacturers.
The engagement forms part of Dr Bawumia’s consultations with business groups on issues affecting their operations and possible measures to support their growth.
Before meeting the garment manufacturers, he also held discussions with executives and representatives of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) on concerns affecting traders across the country.
Among the issues raised were high import duties and demurrage charges, the reported increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) for informal sector operators to 20 per cent, limited access to EXIM Bank loans and foreign participation in Ghana’s retail trade.
Traders also highlighted the high cost of shop rentals and goodwill payments, which they said posed challenges to running their businesses.
Dr Bawumia said the meeting provided an opportunity for GUTA representatives to outline their concerns and propose possible solutions.
“We also discussed the importance of transitioning from just importing to producing these goods in Ghana and the incentives to encourage them to do so. It was a very productive meeting and my thanks to GUTA for this meeting,” he said.
The engagements focused on challenges facing Ghanaian businesses, with particular attention to supporting local production, improving competitiveness and creating an environment in which manufacturers and traders can expand their operations.