Union Calls For Suspension Of Textile Imports

The Textile Garment and Leather Employees' Union (TGLEU) has called on the government to suspend the importation of garments and textile products into the country, saying it will save the local industry.

At a press conference on Thursday, Textile Garment and Leather Employees Union general secretary Abraham Koomson said illegal imports were escaping duty charges and being sold cheaply in Ghanaian markets, therefore unfairly competing with locally-made products.

Koomson added that if government initiatives to boost local production were to succeed, imports would need to be suspended to stem the flow of illegal goods.

He also displayed alleged examples of pirated textiles bearing Ghanaian company logos and Standards Board certification marks.

"This discredits and undermines the quality of the original and genuine fabrics produced by local people," he said.