The Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, GNTDA - Yeji Onuadɔ Group, has accused the government of failing to fulfil the artisans policy it promised to tailors and dressmakers during the 2024 election campaign.

The concern was raised on Wednesday, August 12, 2025, during a graduation ceremony held in Yeji to mark the passing out of 100 apprentices who had completed their training in tailoring and dressmaking.

Addressing members, graduands, and invited guests, the Chairperson of the GNTDA - Yeji Onuadɔ group, Sophia Agyampa, said that artisans in the Pru East District are disappointed that the policy has not materialised.

“Government has deceived us on the Artisans Policy they promised during the 2024 campaign,” Sophia Agyampa stated. “We were told that when the policy is implemented, it will support us with tools, training centres, and access to credit. But up to now, nothing has been done.”


She noted that despite the challenges, the association remains committed to training the youth to be self-reliant. According to her, the 100 apprentices graduating this year are proof that the tailoring and dressmaking industry can absorb more young people with the right support.

Chuntor Michael, Secretary to the Onuadɔ group, also appealed to philanthropists to support artisans with machines and tools to aid their service to the nation, especially the graduands whose machines may have broken down before graduation.

Mary Attaa Chikpa, Examination Coordinator of the GNTDA Onuadɔ group, said the graduands sat for two national examinations, TVET and NVTI, which qualify them for job opportunities.

“Most of our youth are sitting idle because there are no jobs. This trade is a way out. We are calling on government to honour its promise and also pursue industrialisation to expand and train more,” she added.

Some of the graduands who spoke expressed gratitude to their masters and the association. They appealed for starter packs and financial support to enable them to set up their own shops after graduation.

Traditional leaders and some parents who attended the ceremony also urged the government and NGOs to support the association by providing modern equipment to improve skills training in Yeji and surrounding communities.


The GNTDA - Yeji Onuadɔ group says it currently has over 200 apprentices at various stages of training and plans to enrol more next year if support is made available.