At the 50th anniversary celebration of the Ghana Textile Printing (GTP) in Tema, Mr Kweku Ricketts Hagan, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry said that the government is committed to revive the textile industry to produce more for exports. The move would also help create more jobs for the Ghanaian youth.

He also said that the Ministry of Trade and Industry is working assiduously to revamp the Juapong and Volta Star textiles factories to augment the efforts of the Ghana Textile Printing (GTP) company.

For a country such as Ghana whose imports exceeds its exports, it is imperative to add value to its raw materials. This would turn the country’s economy around and as such the Ministry is doing everything possible to revive dormant manufacturing companies to make Ghana an export rather than import oriented nation.

Government is also taking steps to invest in the local textile industries to promote it in the international market.

The Deputy Minister said that electricity and regular power supply has been the major concern of manufacturing companies adding that government has initiated some measures to solve the situation.

Mr Kofi Boateng, the Managing Director of GTP, said that the pirating of their designs has negatively affected their sales. Also it has not been easy for the manufacturing companies over the past few years mainly due to unstable power supply. But this year they are hopeful it would be better for the company.

Government of Ghana would also help revive the cotton industry to ensure that most of the lint is produced in the country and reduce the exportation of primary goods to other countries. The manufacturing companies are urged to increase their production to meet international standards.

Since the cotton industry in Ghana serves as the raw material base and is receiving a good response, the Government of Ghana plans to extend its focus to finished products.