The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has called on its members to continuously take an active part in capacity building training programmes to keep themselves abreast with modern trends in business operations.

Mrs Doris Kesse, AGI Sector Chairperson for Garment, Textiles and Leather, made the call during an encounter with some members of the AGI in the Ashanti Region. She noted that low attendance and participation in refresher training programmes by members of the association has been a major challenge to the Association of Ghana Industries.

According to Mrs Doris Kesse, if members of the association should heed her call, the association will make progress on many fronts. She thus, said, “Active participation in training programmes would help solve most issues confronting members in their operations.”

Mrs Kesse, however, bemoaned the unavailability of skilled and committed individuals in the Garment, Textile and Leather sector, noting that the situation is greatly affecting the productivity of the sector.

“…For instance, the garment, textile and leather industries are very lucrative, but the lack of skilled craftsmen has been a major hindrance in the sector.”
Mrs Kesse

Challenges of AGI

The AGI Sector Chairperson for Garment, Textiles and Leather, moreover, highlighted some challenges in the sector. Mrs Kesse indicated that the challenge is more persistent with the bigger companies which engaged many workers but few of them are perfect in the handling and repair of machines. However, she admitted that with commitment from members of the association, the problem will gradually be solved.

“If you have a factory and you do not have skilled technicians, when the machine gets spoilt, you have to wait for a mechanic from outside,” she explained, stressing that, such situations delay work output.

Mrs Kesse noted that AGI is focusing on frequent training programmes for its members to enable them to engage appropriate technical staff who would help in the repairs and operations of machines and tools. She averred that the training would also ensure that skilled technicians are engaged to fix complex machines in the garment and textile factories.

Madam Hawa Braimah, Vice-Chairperson, AGI Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo chapters, also requested that the Association lobby for scholarships for members to upgrade themselves in business trends abroad. She explained that the move would engender beneficiaries to exhibit their expertise locally to promote businesses. This, she said, will help businesses make enough profit for their members since productivity will likely go up.

Meanwhile, members of the association, after the meeting, toured the UNIJAY Fashion School at Asokwa, in Kumasi- where the programme took place.

The Vice-Chairperson stated that she believes the private sector is the engine of growth, and that every economy derives its source of strength from the industry. As such, she said, “with our continuous advocacy and positive policies in place, we are very optimistic about the future of the industry in Ghana, despite the challenges it faces.”