Gov’t to revamp Volta Star Textiles Limited

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has re-affirmed government’s commitment to collaborate with stakeholders to revamp the Volta Star Textiles Limited (VSTL) at Juapong in the Volta Region.

“Government has put in place an effective and efficient management structure to work closely with management of the company as they seek to resuscitate the textile industry,” he said. Mr Iddrisu said this at the inauguration of a nine-member board of the VSTL at Juapong.

The Minister who administered the Oath of Secrecy to the board tasked members to ensure public-private partnership in their operations as it is one of the key pillars of government priority to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

Mr Iddrisu urged the board to put in place strategic plans to improve the efficiency of the industry by injecting capital with the collaboration of the private sector to ensure full capacity production.

He said the company holds lots of prospect for the youth in the creation of employment and foreign exchange, adding that the revamping of the company would promote made-in-Ghana products. Professor Mba Atinga, Chairman of the board, pledged the unflinching support of members to work assiduously to meet the assigned tasks and responsibilities.

The Minister was accompanied by Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu. Mr Evans Agyagbo, Acting Technical Director of VSTL, recalled when the company was closed down in 2005 due to financial constraints, adding that government in 2007 revamped the company.

He said with the help of the Export Development and Investment Fund the company had injected GH¢300 million into its operations which was used to procure raw material. Mr Agyagbo said the company currently has 25 per cent plant capacity production, with the hope of attaining 75 per cent capacity.

The board members include Prof Netsey Afedo, an Accountant, Mr Kofi Smith, Ministry of Trade, Mr Cornelius Dzakpasu from the Private Sector and Mr Doe Agbenu, Legal Practitioner.

The rest are Mr Evans Agyagbo, Acting Technical Director of VSTL, Mr G.D. Boateng, an Engineer, Togbe Kordzo Azagba IV, Mepe Traditional Area and Mawuenyaga Agbohla, Chief of Mankralo.