Reduce fashion and textile taxes –Elsie Klu appeals to govt
FASHION enthusiast and CEO of Ezel Fashion, Elsie Esinam Appau Klu, is calling on government to pay more attention to the fashion and textile industry, which she believes holds significant potential to enhance Ghana's creative economy.
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In her appeal, Mrs Appau Klu emphasised the need for a reduction in taxes on the importation of textiles and fashion products.
She posited that the current tax burdens on young entrepreneurs in the fashion industry were stifling creativity and growth.
According to her, many young Ghanaians possess skills and expertise in creative arts, including fashion, but the lack of an enabling environment and heavy tax burdens are major deterrents.
And she believes that lowering these taxes will encourage patronage, help the industry thrive and provide more opportunities for local fashion designers and textile manufacturers.
"I'm calling upon the government of Ghana to recognise that there are a lot of young people in this country with incredible skills. If you look at global trends, traditional employment skills are giving way to creative arts, fashion, photography and IT skills.”
“These are the fields creating employment opportunities. We should not kill the dreams of young entrepreneurs with excessive taxes. It is deterring and discouraging.”
"The fashion industry is one area that has barely received the attention it deserves. The focus seems to be mostly on music and cinema, but I believe this disparity can be bridged if the government redirects some of its focus to the fashion and textile industry, particularly regarding tax issues,” she remarked in an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz.
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Mrs Appau Klu also questioned the rationale behind importing large quantities of clothing from other countries when Ghana has the potential to produce its own.
She suggested that promoting local fashion would not only create jobs but also elevate Ghanaian culture on the global stage.
"Why should we be importing clothes from other countries when we can create employment opportunities right here? We should be looking at how to market our skills and products locally and internationally. It's not just about buying and selling; it's about creating something new and unique that people will value and be willing to pay more for,”’ she added.
She urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to take up the challenge of building the nation through hard work, self-encouragement and determination, while also stressing government's role in creating a supportive environment.
Mrs Appau Klu, who believes in the potential of Ghana and her people, called on individuals to venture into the creative industry.
"Africa, and Ghana in particular, has a lot of potential. Sometimes, leaders may make mistakes, but we must believe in ourselves and our ability to build a Ghana we can be proud of. The government has a responsibility, but so do we as citizens”, she advised.