Takoradi, July 27, GNA- The Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA) on Wednesday, called on government to put in place a state Board of Cosmetology to oversee the issuance of licenses to practitioners in the hair and beauty industry.

Ms Joyce Appiah, President of GHABA noted that the Board, when instituted, would help in flushing out unqualified as well as quack operators, who continually cause damage to the hair of unsuspecting clients.

Speaking at the fourth Quadrennial delegates’ conference of the association at Takoradi, in the Western Region, Mrs Appiah said the absences of a legal or administrative control over the industry had given rise to the mushrooming of all types of hair care salons.

The conference theme: “Increasing Productivity in the Hair and Beauty Industry with Competent Skills”, was chosen to highlight the need for professionals in that sector and to upgrade and update their skills to meet the current developmental needs.

Ms Appiah appealed to government through the National Vocational Training Institute to speed up the implementation of the issues contained in the Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the two bodies, aimed at creating uniformity in the training content, duration and the provision of approved skills training for the youth to alleviate poverty.

“I urge government to create a space for an informal economy debate to redesign a National Informal Economic Policy, which will address the country’s developmental needs”, she added.

Ms Appiah reiterated that helping the informal economy like the beauty Industry to organize their businesses in a more cohesive manner would boost economic activity and encourage the use of appropriate technology.

She noted that the association currently has a membership of 5000 and that GHABA would continue to strive in the training of members to meet international standards.

Nana Kobina Nketsia IV, Omanhene of Essikado traditional area, who chaired the conference, said the passage of a legislation to govern the work of practitioners would also give them the right footing to operate.

He said women were cardinal to the development of any nation and urged them “to lift themselves up for the development of the country”.

Nana Nketsia advised them to add value to their work through the acquisition of knowledge, in order to enhance service delivery, which would culminate into increased productivity.

Ms Emelia Arthur, Deputy Western Regional Minister said the economic growth of the country would depend on all sectors of the economy and urged them to do their work with the utmost sense of professionalism as they contribute their quota to national development.

“The hair and beauty industry is now complex and sophisticated and you need constant learning and training to match up with international standardizes”, the Deputy Minister added.

The conference will elect new national executives, review past activities and plan for the future.