‘Ghana’s apparel industry holds huge potential’
The Chief Executive Officer of Anowah Afrique Limited (AAL), Ms Catherine Nana Esi Anowah Coffie, has called on the government to support the apparel manufacturing industry in Ghana.
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She said the sector held a huge potential to contribute towards the growth of the economy.
Ms Coffie, who is also the Founder of the Women‘s Development Foundation (WDF), said this after she was inducted into the West Africa Nobles Forum for her contribution towards the development of women, children and the vulnerable in society at a ceremony in Accra.
She said there were many Ghanaian companies which had the expertise to produce apparel for both the domestic and international markets and all they needed was support from the government.
She said one of its primary challenge was the acquisition of local contracts mainly because people preferred giving apparel contracts to companies outside the country, while others did not believe in the capacity of the local manufacturers of apparel to produce the required quantities and quality they wanted.
“We, therefore, want the government to help us get more contracts from the local markets because we have the capacity to produce 3000-10000 a day depending on the garment. We really wish our government can help us through the trade ministry and other affiliated agencies,” she stated.
She said her company recently designed two uniforms for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and also a uniform for the police service.
Training
She also pointed out that the industry did not have enough trained professionals; a situation she said compelled the company to train people before employing them.
She said her company was collaborating with some representatives to get highly trained expatriates to help train the youth in garment making and acquire jobs from the US market.
About AAL
She said Anowah Afrique Limited started from humble beginnings, operating at home to a medium sized factory and now at the Tema free zone enclave with the capacity to employ over 2,000 people but currently employed 200 workers who produce 500 pieces of fabrics on a daily basis for the export market.
The company exports to China and Dubai but its main focus is the local market.
Ms Coffie added that as part of the free zone's requirements, the company had to send 75 per cent of its products to the outside market and the company is currently working hard towards that.
Nobles award
The CEO noted that the nobles award was a humbling experience and expressed gratitude to her hardworking employees.
I was given the nobles award which goes to show that even though there are numerous challenges, the good people of Ghana still see our little contribution which we are thankful to God for. It urges us to do more both for the industry and the youth in the country, she mentioned.