By Victoria Agyemang
Cape Coast, Sept. 26, GNA – The Institute of Textile and Fashion Professionals (ITFP)-Ghana has called for the establishment of a dedicated training institute for standardisation, metrology and conformity assessment to strengthen Ghana’s textile and garment industry.
The institute, it said, would equip industry players with the technical knowledge and skills required to meet international standards, improve product quality and enhance the competitiveness of locally manufactured textiles and garments on the global market.
Professor Charles Frimpong, a Professor at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) made the call at the third international conference of the ITFP, where he spoke on the topic: “Standards for the textiles and garment industry in Ghana and Africa: a catalyst for trade development.”
The conference, organised in partnership with the Fashion Design and Textiles Studies Department at the Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), was held under the theme: “Advancing Textile and Fashion Futures: Smart Innovation, Sustainability, Ethics and Inclusion.”
Professor Frimpong, delivering the first keynote address, said the proposed institute would serve as a centre for specialised training, research and technical capacity development in textile testing, measurement, quality assurance and conformity assessment.
He said strengthening standards and compliance mechanisms was essential to building consumer confidence, facilitating trade and positioning Ghana and Africa to benefit from opportunities in the global textile and garment industry.
The conference brought together industry professionals, designers, manufacturers, academics and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to advance the textile and fashion sector through innovation, sustainability and adherence to internationally accepted standards.
Participants emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government, industry, educational institutions and regulatory bodies to address challenges facing the sector.
They also highlighted the importance of equipping textile and garment professionals with modern skills and technologies to improve productivity, promote ethical practices and support sustainable production.
The ITFP-Ghana said the development of a robust standards framework would help local manufacturers meet market requirements, reduce barriers to trade and expand access to regional and international markets.
It called on stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at strengthening technical education, promoting innovation and creating an enabling environment for the growth of Ghana’s textile and garment industry.
The conference reaffirmed the importance of standards, sustainability and professional development in building a competitive, inclusive and resilient textile and fashion industry in Ghana and across Africa.
Professor Richard Acquaye, the National President of ITFP-Ghana in his welcoming speech said transforming of Ghana’s textile and garment industry required a collective national effort involving government, academia, industry, professional associations, researchers, designers, entrepreneurs, development partners and consumers.
He raised questions on how the industry could confront the growing demand for creativity, fashion, innovation and economic growth with the urgent need for environmental sustainability, ethical production and social responsibility.
Calling on all industry players to rethink the way they design, produce, consume, reuse, recycle and dispose of textiles and fashion products.
“Sustainability cannot remain simply a slogan, it must become an integral part of education, research, industrial practice, policy production system, and entrepreneurial activities “he added.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Benjamin Mensah