In an effort to significantly reshape Ghana’s textile and ready-to-wear apparel market, the UK’s Shadow Minister for Immigration, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, along with her, Samuel Kusuma, convened with prominent members of the fashion community including Ghana’s Beatrice ‘Bee’ Arthur, Leader of the Fashion Domain in Ghana, at the GEPA Impact Hub.
The event, organized by Isaac Newton Acquah of the International Trade Centre (ITC), was held to strengthen trade relations between Ghana and the United Kingdom.
Expanding Trade Horizons
The discussion centered on boosting bilateral trade, with a targeted ambition of matching the current trade volumes between Ghana and the United States. The meeting comes on the heels of a pivotal policy change, where the UK has recently scrapped all tariffs on textile imports from Ghana. This development is expected to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation within the Ghanaian fashion industry, providing local manufacturers and designers with a competitive edge in international markets.
A Convergence of Industry Expertise
Representatives from a diverse array of institutions were present to lend their insights and expertise. Participants included key figures from Fashion Forum Africa, the Ghana Apparel Manufacturers Association and academics from Accra Technical University. In addition, independent researchers, who are delving into the rich symbolism of Ghana’s renowned wax print cloth, and several influential designers contributed to a dynamic exchange of ideas.
The dialogue was in accordance with ensuring the importance of collaboration in nurturing not only economic growth but also cultural exchange. The forum provided a unique platform for networking, allowing industry players to explore potential partnerships that could drive sustainable growth across both the textile and ready-to-wear segments.
Looking Ahead
The removal of tariffs is expected to be a catalyst for increased investment and innovation in Ghana’s fashion sector. With the UK now opening its doors wider to Ghanaian textiles, the industry is poised to explore untapped markets and leverage its rich cultural heritage in design and production.
Industry players will anticipate that the momentum generated from this high-level meeting will lead to more robust trade negotiations and future collaborations, further integrating Ghana into the global fashion supply chain.
