New machine for Batik-Tie-and-Dye developed

Ho, Nov. 3, GNA - Mr Mawuena Amedorme, Graduate of Tema School of Technology, using local materials has developed a machine to boost large scale production of Batik Tie and Dye in the country. The machine, 17 feet long, six feet wide and five feet high, can print 50 pieces of cloth in an hour and combines printing, dying, squeezing, de-waxing, washing, drying, ironing and folding. It can also print other textile designs and powered by gas and electricity.

Togbe Kwaku Ayim IV, Paramount Chief of Ziavi Traditional Area inaugurated the machine on behalf of Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State at Ho at the weekend. He said the neglect of practical aspects of technical education was affecting the country's development.

"If the country wants to attain the Millennium Development Goals, then derogatory remarks about technical and vocational education should stop," he said.

Togbe Ayim said China and Malaysia attained high levels of development because they placed emphasis on technical education. Nene Stephen A. Osabutey III, Chief Executive Officer of Batik Tie and Dye Traders Association of Ghana, said the association would soon establish a School of Textile Technology and Technical Teachers Training College to improve technical education and train the youth to be gainfully employed in the country. He said members of the association were determined to create awareness especially among the youth to use locally designed fabrics and assist the vulnerable in society to undertake in income generating activities.

Nene Osabutey said the association had trained more than 40 people and employed 30 of them. Mr Amedorme said the challenge now was financial assistance for mass production and appealed to entrepreneurs. 03 Nov. 08