Tema:President John Dramani Mahama has praised Dignity DTRT Limited, a prominent garment manufacturing and export company located in the Tema Free Zones Enclave, as a model for Ghanaian enterprises. During a working visit to the company, the President highlighted its success as a demonstration of the potential for local investors in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama's visit was part of a broader tour of industrial facilities in the Tema enclave, which also included the groundbreaking ceremony for the Afienya Industrial Park and tours of factories in the Bright International Industrial Zone. During his visit, President Mahama emphasized the importance of supporting domestic investors, stating that the government extends equal opportunities to both local and foreign investors.
The President encouraged local entrepreneurs to invest in sectors such as agro-processing, textiles and garments, and renewable energy, promising government support to foster business growth and job creation. He specifically commended Madam Salma Salifu, Managing Director of Dignity DTRT Ltd, for her perseverance in expanding the company from its humble beginnings in Accra, where it initially employed about 500 staff, to its current workforce of over 6,000, predominantly women.
President Mahama noted the contributions of the Youth Employment Agency in supporting the company's expansion through workforce training. He highlighted the government's commitment to investing two billion dollars annually in job-rich sectors, including textiles and garments, as part of the New Economy Programme. Additionally, he mentioned plans to finance three more textile factories in collaboration with private-sector investors next year.
The President also addressed concerns from Free Zones companies regarding the new Customs Act, announcing that discussions with stakeholders would be organized to resolve these issues. He reiterated the government's dedication to aiding businesses in the Free Zones enclaves, ensuring their continued growth and development.
As construction progresses on a new factory at Dignity DTRT expected to employ 5,000 people per shift, President Mahama promised government support in subsidizing training programs for the facility's workforce. Madam Salifu expressed gratitude for the government's backing and acknowledged the positive impact of new economic policies on the company's expansion efforts and contributions to national development.