Business · Peter Amaane

Tailors and dressmakers urged to embrace modern fashion trends and technology

The vice president of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, GNTDA, Thomas Y. Bomansaan, has identified contemporary fashion trends, technology and improved training standards as three key pillars for the development of Ghana's fashion and garment industry.   

Speaking at a grand durbar to climax  the 2026 Eastern Regional conference of the GNTDA, held in Koforidua , the capital of the Eastern Region, he called on tailors and dressmakers to respond to the changing  trend in global fashion and garment industry.

The 2026 Eastern Regional Branch Conference of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, GNTDA themed ' "The Role Of the GNTDA Leaders In The Future Of TVET" was attended by representatives of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET , the Ministry of Trade and Agribusiness, national executive members of the GNTDA, master craftspeople, and apprentices among others. 

The conference afforded tailors and dressmakers the opportunity to reflect on their journey, appreciate their achievements, discuss their challenges and deepen the unity that binds members of the association. 

The national vice president of the GNTDA Thomas Y. Bomansaan,  noted that their sewing machines and needles are not just tools for producing garments but they  are also instruments that drive  economic growth. 

He added that they provide sustainable livelihood for thousands of youth in the Eastern Region.

Mr Bomansaan urged members of the association to keep abreast of contemporary fashion trends, capitalize on digital marketing and modern production technology to grow their businesses. 

He urged members of the association to raise their training standards to equip their apprentices with the relevant contemporary skills in the fashion and garment industry.

The Eastern Regional Industrial Promotion Officer of the Ministry of Trade and Agribusiness, Hannah Owusu-Adu, noted that tailors and dressmakers serve as a mastercraft who bridge the gap between theory and practice . 

 She emphasized the role they play in creating jobs and reducing unemployment in the country.  

She said through fashion,  they  preserve  Ghanaian traditional identity. 

Madam Owusu-Adu said, the government recognises them as key partners in the TVET and its apprenticeship agenda stating that they are indispensable partners in the overall success of the TVET framework. 

"Government industrialization agenda depends on skilled master craft persons like you to train the next generation. As master craft persons we are not just creators of beautiful garments but also creators who shape the next generation of skilled professionals. Tailors and dressmakers serve as master craftpeople who bridge the gap between theory and practice" she stated.

The two-day conference was characterized by election, swearing-in ceremony and awards presentation to deserving tailors and dressmakers.