The Tema Textiles and Garment Closter has been inaugurated in Tema, the industrial city of Ghana in line with the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) initiative.

This is the second cluster programme in the country after the Accra cluster was inaugurated last year. It is made up of fashion designers, tailors and batik makers in Tema.

Inaugurating the cluster, Mr. Boniface A Saddique, a Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry noted that presently, the orientation of the Ghana government was basically export-driven.

In the long-term, however, he said that manufacturing will have to take account of the ever-changing global market and aim at securing world class textile and garment manufacturers. He commended the use of the cluster approach in enhancing competitiveness in the sector in the country.

The approach should provide the basis for the achievement of a broad-based, resilient and competitive manufacturing sector and induce the growth of supporting industries, he started.

Mr. Saddique intimated that the functions of the cluster would serve as a focal point where members will meet to exchange views and deliberate on issues connected with the acceleration of the industry.

The National Coordinator of the AGOA secretariat, Dr. Gordon Asare Kyeremanteng said that the formation of clustership, flavoured with a capable management team is one big answer to the problems of production and organisation in the industry.

He encouraged members of the cluster to adopt the “Entrepreneurial spirit” since it is the engine of growth which thrives on success and provides challenges to all aspiring business people.

Dr. Kyeremanteng pledged the support of the secretariat in ensuring the success of the cluster.

Miss Priscilla Kutriakor, president of the Tema Cluster was hopeful that they will receive necessary institutional support mechanisms to access the opportunities of AGOA.