The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed optimism about plans to revive the Juapong Textile Industry, which has been inactive for more than a decade.

According to him, government has prioritised the reactivation of the factory as part of efforts to create jobs for the youth and strengthen Ghana’s local textile industry.

Speaking at a Christmas event in Juapong, Mr Ablakwa said he has received firm assurances from the Minister for Trade that concrete steps are being taken to support the factory’s revival, including plans to implement a public-private partnership model.

“I am delighted to confirm that the Minister for Trade has communicated with me on this matter. She is deeply passionate about the project, especially because President Mahama has consistently shown commitment to reviving jobs in the textile sector,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa noted that the textile industry has the capacity to employ more than 100,000 people, recalling that at its peak, the Juapong factory alone provided jobs for about 70,000 workers.

“All we need is to bring in new equipment and modernise the plant to make it competitive again,” he added.

He further highlighted the potential for local textile firms such as Juapong Textile and Akosombo Textile Limited to supply fabrics and uniforms to public institutions, including schools and security agencies.

“We must stop exporting jobs. Every time we import fabrics and wax prints, we are sending jobs abroad,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

Beyond the textile sector, the North Tongu MP outlined several development projects currently underway in the constituency, particularly in infrastructure and education. These include road construction, the building of dormitories and dining halls, the provision of smart classrooms, and the drilling of mechanised boreholes.

Mr Ablakwa expressed satisfaction with the pace of development in the area, noting that the Mahama administration has remained committed to the progress of North Tongu.

“In terms of our fair share of development, we are excited in North Tongu. There is a lot of tangible and visible development we can point to,” he said.