The Institute of Textiles and Fashion Professionals-Ghana (ITFP-Ghana) has emphasized the need for stronger standards, quality assurance systems, and skills development to boost Ghana's textile and fashion industry. This call was made at the third ITFP-Ghana International Conference in Takoradi, which brought together professionals, academics, designers, and stakeholders to discuss emerging trends and challenges. The conference theme was "Advancing Textile and Fashion Futures: Smart Innovation, Sustainability, Ethics and Inclusion".
Professor Richard Acquaye, National President of ITFP-Ghana, stated that investment alone is insufficient for growth. He advocated for collaboration between the government, academia, and industry to develop skills, promote innovation, and improve productivity. This, he believes, will help build sustainable value chains and position the textile and garment sector as a key pillar of Ghana's economic transformation.
The Institute highlighted Ghana's potential to develop the sector as an engine of economic transformation, given its rich textile heritage and creative talent. Participants examined sustainable fashion production, circularity, innovative materials, and emerging technologies as opportunities for transforming the industry. These include 3D fashion design, virtual prototyping, e-textiles, and wearable technologies.
Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, Vice-Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University, noted that the textile and fashion industry is undergoing a profound transformation. He emphasized that digital technologies, smart textiles, and innovative materials are reshaping the industry. This transformation, he believes, is not just about fashion but about building intelligent, ethical, and inclusive futures.
Prof. Boakye called for sustainable ethics to cover environmental, attitudinal, and impact aspects. He urged stakeholders to commit to advancing textiles and fashion futures that are smart, sustainable, and inclusive. The conference featured speakers such as Prof. Charles Frimpong, Dr Paula Veske-Lepp, and Dr Amjad Farooq, who discussed standardization, metrology, and conformity assessment in the industry.
Discussions at the conference focused on strengthening standardization to improve the quality and competitiveness of locally produced garments and textile products. The Institute of Textiles and Fashion Professionals-Ghana seeks greater partnership to support the sector's growth and contribution to Ghana's economic transformation and the 24-Hour Economy Agenda.
The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to share ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration. ITFP-Ghana's efforts aim to enhance the industry's potential for sustainable growth and international competitiveness. Key speakers and participants continue to advocate for stronger standards and sustainable practices in the textile and fashion industry.
Key points
- Institute of Textiles and Fashion Professionals-Ghana calls for stronger standards and quality assurance systems.
- Conference highlights need for collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
- Ghana has considerable potential to develop the textile sector as an engine of economic transformation.
