Edtex Ghana unveils 30th Anniversary celebration in Tema

Edtex Ghana, a leading textile manufacturer in the country, has officially launched its 30th-anniversary celebrations in Tema. The launch event was attended by industry stakeholders, government officials, and members of the media.

Brief history about Edtex Ghana

Edtex Ghana was established in 1994. Over the past three decades, Madam Edwina Assan has been the driving force behind Edtex Batiks, specializing in vibrant wax batik fabrics. With a background in textile design and technology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Assan’s company utilizes these fabrics to create a range of home décor, handbags, and accessories. The West African Trade Hub (WATH) supports Assan in promoting her products to fashion designers, wholesalers, and retailers in both the U.S. and South Africa, while also facilitating the exploration of new business ventures in Europe.

Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare (left), GEPA CEO, Madam Edwina Assan (middle) Edtex Ghana MD and H.E Farhat Ayesha (right), Pakistani High Commissioner to Ghana

Madam Edwina Assan at Edtex Ghana’s 30th Anniversary launch

Speaking at launch 30th Anniversary of Edtex Ghana, Founder and Managing Director of Edtex Ghana Madam Edwina Assan said “Today, as I stand here looking back on 30 years, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Edtex has come a long way, and we are still innovating. We are launching new textiles, working with more motifs, introducing new textures, and soon, we will begin digital printing. Our vision is to make Edtex the one-stop destination for all things textile-related”.

Madam Edwina Assan expressed gratitude and pride for the company’s accomplishments over the past three decades. She emphasized Edtex Ghana’s commitment to innovation in textiles, including the introduction of new textures and digital printing. The goal is for Edtex to become a comprehensive textile destination.

During the event, the book runners of Edtex Ghana highlighted the company’s achievements over the past three decades and its commitment to excellence in the textile industry. They also outlined the various activities and initiatives that will be carried out throughout the year to mark this significant milestone.

“We are proud to be celebrating 30 years of success in the textile industry. Our journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but through it all, we have remained committed to delivering high-quality products and services to our customers,” Madam Edwina Assan said.

Furthermore, the Association of Ghana Industries’ Chairperson in-charge of Garments, Textile and Leather sector Madam Edwina Assan noted that “We would like to express our gratitude to our customers, employees, and partners who have been with us on this journey. We look forward to continued success and growth in the years to come”.

Pakistani High Commissioner calls for partnerships

Contributing to the discourse, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Ghana, H.E Farhat Ayesha has called on the Ghanaian government to strengthen partnerships with Pakistani authorities in order to revitalize Ghana’s struggling textile industry. She believes strengthening Ghana’s strong partnerships with Pakistan will help transform the textile sector.

Pakistani High Commissioner calls for reduction in import duties on textile products

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the 30th Anniversary celebrations of Edtex Ghana in Tema, the Pakistani High Commissioner Farhat Ayesha proposed ways to improve the textile industry. A key suggestion is to foster bilateral trade ties in the textile sector and reduce import duties on textile products to boost the industry.

Brief history about textile and garments industry

The textile and garment industry in Ghana has a rich history dating back to the 1960s, contributing significantly to employment, revenue generation, foreign exchange, and overall economic growth. The Small and Medium Scale Enterprise sector has been a vital component of Ghana’s economy, evolving over the years. However, recent declines in the textile industry requires urgent action from the Ministry of Trade and Industry to revitalize the sector.

Challenges facing textile sector in Ghana

Challenges such as lack of government support, inadequate funding, lack of incentives, and policy inconsistencies are hindering the sector’s competitiveness in the global market. Despite these obstacles, Edtex Ghana, a handmade textile design and production company specializing in batik fabric, continues to serve fashion designers and the textile sector. Issues like limited access to raw materials, competition from cheap imports, counterfeiting, and a scarcity of skilled labour further worsen the struggles of the industry. CEO of Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, commended the remarkable work of Edtex Ghana and mentioned the authority’s efforts to enhance the textile industry in Ghana.

The story behind fabrics in Edtex Ghana
The Rayon fabric draws inspiration from the sight of grass swaying gently in the breeze.

Pictorial Batik is influenced by the rich symbolism of Adinkra symbols.

The Cotton Batik takes inspiration from cocoa beans and kente, both of which hold deep significance to the nation.

Silk Batik is inspired by the intricate patterns of Kente, specifically the Ahwinpan design.

The Velvet fabric is inspired by the vibrant beauty of a flower garden.

Cotton Batik is inspired by firewood, representing warmth.

Chiffon fabric embraces an abstract inspiration.

Silk Batik reflects the flow and serenity of river.

Edtex Ghana’s awards and achievements

1. National Award Winner- Ma Afrika 1999
2. Project with Most Impact on the Community-Ma Afrika(South Africa)-1999
3. International Award Winner of Lakeside Mall Trophy (South African) for Community Work-Ma Afrika – 1999
4. Provision of fabric as backdrop for President Barak Obama’s interview in the Cape Coast Castle on his first visit to Africa, specifically, Ghana. 2009
5. Selected for factory visit by ‘ONE CAMPAIGN’ (International Advocacy Group by Bono) participant including Icons like Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Mrs. Mc Cain, Maureen Orth and many others 2010
6. Ghana’s Rep for Small Business Preparation for World Cup – Durban, South Africa-2010
7. Winner , Retail Outlet of the year (Deo Art), Southern Sector(Western, Central, Gt. Accra and Volta Regions)- Ghana Tourist Board

Edtex Ghana is known for its innovative designs, high-quality fabrics, and ethical business practices. The company has been a key player in the textile industry in Ghana and has been recognized for its contribution to economic development and job creation in the country.

The 30th-anniversary celebrations are expected to be a fitting tribute to Edtex Ghana’s legacy and a testament to its continued commitment to excellence in the textile industry.