The Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) has warned that the tailoring industry could face a shortage of skilled male practitioners within the next five to 10 years if more young men are not encouraged to learn the trade.
Upper East Regional Organizer of the GNTDA Samuel Dabang said fewer young people, particularly men, are showing interest in acquiring tailoring and dressmaking skills, a trend he fears could create a future skills gap in the industry.
Mr. Dabang made the observation during an interview on Bolga FM’s Tooma La Dengo Sanga programme ahead of the association’s Upper East Regional Durbar at Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School.
He encouraged more young men to consider tailoring and dressmaking as viable career options, stressing that the profession should not be viewed as a trade reserved for women.
Mr. Dabang said the broader reluctance among some young people to pursue technical and vocational skills is also a concern for the future of the industry.
According to him, the association is working to equip young women, men and persons with disabilities with practical skills and career development opportunities to enable them to earn sustainable livelihoods.
He said financial difficulties should also not discourage young people interested in learning tailoring and dressmaking, noting that support opportunities are available through the association and its partners for apprentices and mastercraft persons.
Upper East Regional Chairperson of the GNTDA Christiana Anaaro Ayaaba said the association wants young practitioners to develop their skills beyond simply learning the trade and build sustainable careers.
“We want to see every young tailor and dressmaker reach their full potential, not just for themselves but for their families and Ghana as a whole,” she said.
She said helping young people acquire viable skills and create employment for themselves could also contribute to addressing unemployment and supporting national development.
Upper East Regional Vice Chairman of the GNTDA Alex Agoore encouraged members to take advantage of training and other support opportunities available through the association.
He also appealed to parents to consider enrolling children and wards interested in the profession with certified mastercraft persons under the GNTDA.
Mr. Agoore said the association provides structured training and mentorship and connects apprentices and mastercraft persons to other opportunities intended to support their professional development.
The Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association was formed and registered in October 1979 and currently has structures across Ghana’s 16 regions.
In the Upper East Region, the association operates through 54 zonal branches.
The association says its upcoming Regional Durbar will focus on the future of the industry, encourage more young people to embrace vocational skills and strengthen support for apprentices and mastercraft persons.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Bolgatanga
