New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has met with the Association of Garment and Apparel Manufacturers to discuss challenges facing Ghana’s garment industry and identify strategies to improve its competitiveness in international markets.
The engagement forms part of his ongoing policy consultations aimed at developing solutions to business challenges, promoting local production and creating employment opportunities.
Dr Bawumia highlighted the potential of the garment and apparel sector to generate jobs, support local businesses and contribute to Ghana’s economic growth.
He noted that Ghana needs stronger support for its garment industry to compete effectively with countries such as Bangladesh and Benin. He added that the concerns and recommendations raised during the meeting would help shape his policy proposals for the sector.
Bawumia Meets GUTA Over Trading Challenges
Before meeting garment manufacturers, Dr Bawumia held discussions with executives and representatives of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) on issues affecting businesses and traders across the country.
GUTA raised concerns about high import duties, demurrage charges, Value Added Tax (VAT) for informal sector operators, limited access to EXIM loans, foreign participation in Ghana’s retail trade and the high cost of shop rent and goodwill payments.
The discussions also focused on measures to encourage traders to transition from importing finished goods to manufacturing products locally.
Dr Bawumia said incentives to promote domestic production would be important in strengthening Ghanaian businesses, creating jobs and reducing dependence on imported goods.
He expressed appreciation to both organisations for their contributions, stressing that their recommendations would inform policies aimed at improving the business environment and supporting private sector development.
The engagements highlight the importance of garment manufacturing, local industries and the trading sector in Ghana’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Source: newsthemegh.com