In furtherance of his comprehensive policy engagement initiatives, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the standard-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), convened with the Association of Garment and Apparel Manufacturers.
The engagement was designed to address the difficulties confronting the industry and identify strategies to enhance its international competitiveness.
Dr Bawumia emphasized that the sector possesses substantial capacity to generate employment, strengthen local enterprises, and contribute to Ghana’s economic expansion.
“We concurred that in comparison to nations including Bangladesh and Benin, Ghana provides insufficient support to the garments sector. This situation requires rectification moving forward.
“I extend my appreciation to the Association for the transparent dialogue and substantive insights, which shall inform our forthcoming sectoral policies,” he communicated via Facebook following the consultation.
Antecedent to this engagement, Dr Bawumia had similarly convened with leadership and delegates of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) to deliberate on matters impacting traders throughout Ghana.
GUTA representatives articulated apprehensions regarding elevated import tariffs and demurrage expenses, the elevation of VAT for informal sector participants to 20%, restricted availability of EXIM financing, international entities dominating retail commerce, elevated commercial rental expenses and goodwill premiums for commercial premises, among other concerns.
The deliberations proved illuminating, and GUTA presented recommendations to mitigate certain obstacles.
“We additionally examined the significance of transitioning from mere importation toward domestic manufacturing of these commodities and the incentive mechanisms to facilitate such transformation. The consultation proved exceptionally constructive, and I express my gratitude to GUTA for this valuable engagement,” Dr Bawumia stated.
