The Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) says the high cost of sewing and fashion equipment is making it difficult for some skilled young people to establish businesses, limiting opportunities for employment and growth within the industry.
Upper East Regional Chairperson of the GNTDA, Christina Anaaro Ayamba, is therefore appealing to the government and other relevant institutions to provide access to modern machinery and financial support for skilled people who lack the resources to establish their own businesses.
Mrs. Ayamba raised the concern at the association’s Upper East Regional Biennial Conference, held under the theme, “Transforming Fabrics into Expressions of Excellence for a Productive Future.”
She identified the high cost of machinery and the lack of fabric manufacturing factories in Ghana as some of the challenges confronting the tailoring and dressmaking industry.
According to her, acquiring the equipment needed to establish a tailoring or dressmaking business remains beyond the financial reach of some young people, even after they have acquired the necessary skills.
She said providing access to machinery and financial assistance could enable more trained tailors and dressmakers to establish businesses, create employment and encourage other young people to consider the profession as a viable career.
The concerns come as the association seeks to position tailoring and dressmaking as an avenue for skills development, entrepreneurship and employment, particularly among young people.
Mrs. Ayamba urged members to also use the association to strengthen their professional networks, exchange ideas and collaborate to address challenges within the industry.
“As members of this esteemed association, we gather to celebrate our craft, exchange ideas and strengthen the ties within our community of talented tailors and dressmakers,” she said.
The biennial conference brought together tailors, dressmakers, fashion designers, industry stakeholders and invited guests to discuss challenges facing the sector and opportunities for innovation and increased productivity.
The gathering also provided members from the association’s various zones with an opportunity to showcase their work and learn from other practitioners.
Activities included fashion shows, exhibitions, games, float activities and an awards ceremony.
Some participants said the conference had exposed them to new knowledge and skills and provided opportunities to build professional relationships with practitioners from other areas.
They called for more programmes that allow tailors and dressmakers to showcase their work, exchange knowledge and strengthen networks within the industry.
The GNTDA also recognised members for their contributions and service to the association as part of the conference.
The conference follows concerns raised by the association about declining interest among some young people in tailoring and dressmaking, particularly among young men, and its push to encourage more people to acquire vocational skills and build sustainable livelihoods through the industry.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Bolgatanga
