Ghana’s beleaguered manufacturing sector requires urgent and dedicated government support if the country is to create prosperity for citizens and escape from the trap of high unemployment, Dr Ismael Yamson has said.
The former Unilever CEO, speaking at the launch of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Tex Styles Limited (GTP), the country’s foremost textiles manufacturer, noted, “government’s performance in the past and now in supporting manufacturing has not been spectacular.”
Tex Styles’s Managing Director, Mr. Kofi Boateng, observed that the fortunes of the company over its 50-year history mirrored the economic and political climate prevailing during different eras.
“Despite the numerous challenges, the Company together with its sister company Premium African Textiles Company Limited (PAT) have kept faith with Ghana throughout these years,” he noted.
Tex Styles, currently directly employs about 1,000 Ghanaians while also offering training and skills development opportunities to several other workers and students on internship, as well as National Service personnel.
The company is active in CSR activities, having donated over 2,000 sets of bed sheets and pillow cases to about 15 public hospitals between 2013 and 2015.
Boateng disclosed that the company is one of the largest tax payers in the country, paying over GHC33m in 2015, and has invested over Ghc30m in plant & equipment between the period 2012 and 2015.
He said the company is well poised to take advantage of emerging trends in global fashion as indications are that African fashion is the current big thing in the global industry.
The textile manufacturer and brand, celebrated for their colourful prints and lively fabrics, launched their iconic benchmark of 50 years of commitment to Ghanaian fashion, culture, communities and economy with a photo exhibition depicting the brand’s history, speeches by key dignitaries, a fashion show and performances by the GTP Jubilee Choir.
“We are tremendously honoured to have reached the half century mark as a company,” said Boateng, noting that the day was about recognizing the special place “GTP holds within our community.”
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Mr Kweku Ricketts Hagan, congratulated GTP on their jubilee while Reverend Dr. Joyce Aryee delivered the 50th Anniversary Prayer. Both the Honorary Isaac Ashai Odamtten, Mayor of Tema and Mr. Solomon Kotei, ICU General Secretary, spoke at the event to recognize GTP for all they have accomplished over the past half century
Tex Styles Ghana Ltd, manufacturer of the GTP and Woodin range of African prints, is a subsidiary of the Vlisco Group, a global leader in fashion brands with an African heritage.