Tema:President John Dramani Mahama praised Dignity DTRT Limited, a prominent garment manufacturing and export company located in the Tema Free Zones Enclave, calling it a model for Ghanaian enterprises and a testament to the potential of local investors. The commendation came during his working visit to the company as part of a tour of industrial facilities in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama had earlier initiated the development of the Afienya Industrial Park and visited factories in the Bright International Industrial Zone and the Tema Free Zones Enclave. During his visit to Dignity DTRT, he underscored the importance of domestic investment, emphasizing that the government supports both foreign and local investors.
The President encouraged Ghanaian entrepreneurs to invest in sectors such as agro-processing, textiles and garments, and renewable energy, assuring them of government support to expand their businesses and create jobs. He specifically commended Madam Salma Salifu, Managing Director of Dignity DTRT Ltd, for her perseverance in building the company from a small operation with about 500 employees to a workforce of over 6,000, mainly women.
Highlighting the company’s growth, President Mahama noted that many employees were recruited from among Kayayei and trained to acquire skills, with support from the Youth Employment Agency aiding workforce development. He stated that the textiles and garments sector is pivotal to the government’s New Economy Programme, which aims to invest two billion dollars annually in job-rich sectors.
The President announced plans to finance three additional textile factories next year with private-sector partnerships, including Dignity DTRT. He also addressed concerns from Free Zones companies about the new Customs Act, promising stakeholder engagement to resolve issues. A meeting with relevant ministries and the Ghana Free Zones Authority is planned following the Finance Minister's return from international meetings.
President Mahama assured businesses in the Free Zones of the government's commitment to their growth, recalling the construction of a new factory at Dignity DTRT, expected to employ around 5,000 workers per shift. He promised government support for training programs to prepare workers for the new facility.
Madam Salifu expressed gratitude to the President and government, noting that new economic policies would foster a conducive environment for the company’s expansion and further contribution to national development.