North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed optimism over plans to revive the Juapong Textile Industry, which has remained defunct for over a decade.

He said the government is prioritising the factory’s reactivation to restore jobs for the youth and boost the local textile sector.

Speaking during a Christmas event in Juapong, Ablakwa said he has received assurances from the Minister for Trade that the factory will be supported for reactivation, including the implementation of a public-private partnership.

“I’m delighted to confirm that the trade minister has communicated with me. She is passionate about this project because President Mahama has always demonstrated his commitment towards the revival of jobs in textiles,” Ablakwa said.

“Job on textiles can employ over 100,000 workers. At some point at its peak, it employed 70,000. We just need to bring in new equipment, modernise the plant.”

Ablakwa also highlighted the potential for local textile companies, including Juapong and Akosombo Textile, to supply uniforms for schools, security agencies, and other state institutions.

“We don’t have to keep exporting jobs. Anytime we import fabrics, wax prints from abroad, we are shipping out jobs,” he said.

In addition to supporting the textile sector, Ablakwa detailed ongoing infrastructure and education projects in North Tongu, including road construction, dormitories, dining halls, smart classrooms, and mechanised boreholes.

“In terms of our fair share of development, we are very excited in North Tongu that the Mahama administration has not abandoned us. There is so much that we can point to in terms of concrete, real development,” he added.