Edtex promotes use of local fabrics

Daily Graphic, Pg 11, Oct. 23/08

Story: Rebecca Quaicoe Duho

A Textile Designer, Ms Edwina Assan of Edtex Design, has lauded the launch of the National Friday Wear programme by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Presidential Special Initiatives (PSI).
She said the move was a positive step to promote the use of made-in-Ghana prints and revitalise the textiles and garments industry and also project a unique Ghanaian identity through the extensive use of local fabrics and designs as business wear.
Ms Assan who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with textile option made the statement in Accra when she launched an exhibition of an assortment of locally designed fabric and batik designed for soft furnishing for homes.
The programme, which attracted a wide range of customers, including foreigners and tourists, showcased items such as bedspread, curtains, shower curtains, cushion covers, hand towels, chair backs, aprons, pot holders, oven gloves, napkins, tissue box holders, jewellery holders, table cloths and wall hangings.
She said the introduction of Friday wear by most companies had challenged the textile industry to come up with innovative designs, saying that this had helped increase the patronage of locally manufactured fabrics.
Ms Assan, however said the importation of cheap textiles and imitation wax prints into the country was greatly affecting the operations of the local textile industry, and therefore stressed the need for the government to step up efforts to restrict the importation of such goods.
According to her, the government could do this through the imposition of stiffer tariffs on foreign textiles imported into the country to help local industries withstand competition.
Ms Assan said so far she had marketed her products on the international markets such as in the United States of America (USA), Britain and Germany, and export some to Japan and the USA. She has also undertaken contracts to furnish some top hotels, restaurants and organisations in the country, including the Golden Tulip and the Barclays Bank.
She said the textile industry had a huge market on the international market, and pointed out that although it might be expensive to start operating in the sector, one needed to work with determination.
A Friend of Art, Mrs Heidi Amegayibor, who opened the exhibition congratulated Ms Assan for her continuous commitment and support to the textile industry, saying that “it is amazing and just great to see Edwina and her Edtex brand growing and coming up with new fascinating wall pictures and a diverse array of not only tasteful, but well selected colours and other home décor”.
She said Edtex started 20 years ago when the local textile industry was not in vogue but added that the company had managed to stay in fashion.