New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says Ghana must do more to support its garment and apparel industry if the sector is to compete internationally.
Dr Bawumia made the comments after meeting the Association of Garment and Apparel Manufacturers as part of his ongoing policy engagements.
The discussions focused on the difficulties facing manufacturers and possible measures to improve the industry’s competitiveness. Dr Bawumia said the sector could play an important role in creating jobs, strengthening local businesses and expanding Ghana’s economy.
“Compared to countries such as Bangladesh and Benin, Ghana does not adequately support the garments industry. This must change going forward,” he said.
He added: “I thank the Association for the open discussions and valuable contributions, which will help shape our policies for the sector.”
The engagement followed a separate meeting between Dr Bawumia and executives and representatives of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), where concerns affecting traders were discussed.
GUTA officials raised a number of challenges, including high import duties and demurrage costs. They also expressed concern over the increase in VAT for informal sector operators to 20%, difficulties accessing EXIM loans and foreign nationals taking over the retail trade.
The high cost of shop rents and Goodwill payments was also highlighted during the meeting.
Dr Bawumia described the discussions with GUTA as eye-opening and said the organisation had presented proposals aimed at addressing some of the problems facing traders.
The meeting also considered how Ghana could move away from relying largely on imported goods and instead increase domestic production.
“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,” Dr Bawumia said.
“It was a very productive meeting and my thanks to GUTA for this meeting.”
