The Institute of Textiles and Fashion Professionals of Ghana (ITFP) is clamouring for the establishment of a ministry of textiles and fashion to help build a strong economy.
At the inaugural Annual International Conference of the Institute, Vice President, Professor Ebenezer Kofi Howard, decried the government’s neglect of the sector over the years.
According to him, it was about time the government engaged them in policy direction to help grow the textile and fashion industries.
“It is going to have economic gains because the industry is the bedrock upon which most of the economic goods are grown,” he said.
Professor Howard laid emphasis on the fact that technical and vocational education can sustain itself mostly on textiles and fashion.
“All the technical universities in Ghana are running textile and fashion programs but don’t have anywhere for them to go after the training; then what kind of training are we giving to them?” he asked.
Professor Awurabena Gloria Okrah, who has been in the textile and fashion industry for over forty years, said the maiden event has outdoored the Institute to the world.
“It will make an impact not only locally, nationally, but also globally,” she noted.
A ten-member national board was inaugurated at the 1st Annual International Conference of the Institute of Textiles and Fashion Professionals—Ghana. They include Prof. Charles Frimpong, Dr. Daniel Kwabena Danso, Prof. Richard Acquaye, Prof. Ebenezer Kofi Howard, Dr. Ninette Appiah, Dr. Solomon Ayesu Marfo, Rev. Dr. Timothy Crenstil, Jerome Kwaku Dunyo, Awurabena Gloria Okrah, and Kwodwo Agyenim Boateng.