Help to save the local textiles industry

Mampong (Ash), June 16, GNA - The Asante-Mampong Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Daniel Appau-Ohyeamang, has called on Ghanaians to accept to share in the responsibility of keeping the local textiles industry in operation by patronizing their products.

He said there should be no doubt that given high patronage, the textiles manufacturing sector would give jobs and significantly help to raise the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). "The sector has the potential to make tremendous contribution to the growth of the national economy and must therefore not be allowed to be emasculated by the influx of cheap foreign imports," he said. Mr Ohyeamang said this in a speech read for him at the launch of a municipal "Everyday Wear" at Asante-Mampong.

The programme was organized by the Trade and Industry Ministry with sponsorship from the Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL), Printex, and Ghana Textiles Products (GTP).

It is a follow-up to the "National Friday Wear" launched some six years ago by the government. It ties in with the government's goal of whipping up interest in "made-in-Ghana goods" to resuscitate and revitalize the textile and garment industry.

A similar launch had already taken place in the Western and Central regions and would be extended to the remaining regions. Mr Appau-Oheamang expressed regret at the taste for imported clothes and dresses, most of which, he said were unsuitable for the tropical conditions.

He urged organizations and industries to buy into the programme to promote local textiles and garments. Mr Ben Peasah, Director, Domestic Trade and Distribution, Ministry of Trade and Industry, spoke of their determination to aggressively promote locally made products.

He called on the security agencies to act firmly to prevent the smuggling of textiles from the neighbouring countries. The Gyasehene of Asante-Mampong, Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsa said Ghanaians should take pride in wearing locally produced fabrics.