Government pledges support for fashion industry through skills, technology and market access

At the inaugural national meeting of the Fashion Designers’ Association of Ghana (FDAG) in Asante Mampong, government officials pledged their support for the growth of the country’s fashion, textile and garment sector. Diana Gyamfi, Ashanti Regional Director for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, stated that the government is intensifying its efforts to bolster the industry through skill development, technological advancements, quality assurance and enhanced market access both domestically and globally.

She encouraged FDAG to forge stronger partnerships with technical and vocational schools, academic institutions, authorities and the Ghana Enterprises Agency.

Gyamfi applauded the association for its ongoing plans to build a Fashion Training, Innovation and Enterprise Development Centre. The government’s commitment to the sector’s expansion is crucial, as it serves as a vital source of employment, skill acquisition and entrepreneurship, particularly for the youth. However, industry practitioners highlighted ongoing obstacles, such as limited access to finance, technology, modern training and markets.

These issues were among the topics discussed during the conference, which centered on skills enhancement, innovation and enterprise development, and called for increased support to propel Ghana’s fashion industry forward. The conference, themed “Transforming Ghana’s Fashion Industry through Skills, Innovation, and Enterprise Development,” convened fashion designers, master craftsmen, apprentices and learners to address these challenges and devise strategies for industry improvement.

Isaac Mensah, FDAG’s National President, emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration and a unified approach to unlock the full potential of the sector. The association also aimed to refine technical and practical training, professional ethics, digital skills and sustainable fashion practices. Additionally, the association urged the government to equip practitioners with necessary tools and equipment to boost their skills and productivity.

Professor Isaac Boateng, Patron of FDAG and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Skill Training and Enterprise Development (USTED), appealed to the government to provide the required resources to bolster the industry. He suggested that a dedicated workday encouraging workers to wear African uniforms could foster a market for local designers and promote the use of African clothing and fabrics in professional settings.