Government to purchase made-in-Ghana school uniforms

Accra , Aug. 12, GNA - Government on Wednesday directed that the provision of school uniforms to the basic schools should be handled solely by local textile industries.

Vice President John Mahama who made this known after a meeting with captains of the textile industry, the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and officials of the Ministry of Education at the Osu Castle , said there was no pretence on the part of government in carrying out the policy.

The meeting was aimed at resolving the problem over the procurement of 1,670,000 uniforms estimated to cost GH¢11.7 million for distribution to students in basic schools by September, in line with government policy.

Additionally, Cabinet would take a decision on the modalities to be followed in sowing the fabrics.

Vice President Mahama has therefore asked the Ministry to negotiate and reach an agreement with the textile companies on an acceptable price quotation.

He said the Education Ministry should explore the possibility of Parliamentary approval for a waiver in taxes and duties to bring down the cost to at least 15 per cent or apply to the Ministry of Finance for a supplementary budget in meeting the expenditure.

He said resuscitating the local cotton industry would help create jobs and expand the economy.

The Vice President's intervention followed the stalemate between the textile companies and the Ministry of Education over the supply of the fabrics.

Whilst the Ministry contended that its budget of GH¢1.7 million could not satisfy the bid of Printex, a local textile manufacturing company's quotation of GH¢ 21.8 million, the company on the other hand argued that the fabrics being offered were of high quality compared to what the ministry intended to procure outside the country.

Vice President Mahama said even though the local production was marginally higher the multiplying effect on the economy should override all other considerations.

In this regard, he said the Mills administration had resolved to procure uniforms for the security agencies and other related institutions from the local textiles companies.

Vice President Mahama asked the textile companies to present acceptable prices on their quotations.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency later, Mr Tony Oteng Gyasi, President of the AGI, described the meeting as fruitful as it allowed the two parties to dialogue on ways to move Ghana forward for brighter prospects of the economy.

"This is the way in which a better economy can be delivered," he added.

Mr Abraham Koomson, General Secretary of Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Union said the industry had downsized its labour force from 25,000 when it was operating at its peak to about 4,000.

He said it was against this backdrop that the Vice President's intervention was timely as it would save the industry from further throes.

Madam Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Industry called for more co-ordination among stakeholders to avoid future misunderstandings to save the local industries from imminent collapse.

GNA