GTP at 50
GTP, the textile manufacturer and brand celebrated for their colourful prints and lively fabrics commemorated an iconic benchmark yesterday – 50 years of commitment to Ghanaian fashion, culture, communities and economy.
To mark the occasion, the company, now formally known as Tex Styles Ghana Ltd, hosted a morning of festivities including a photo exhibition depicting 50 years in the brand’s history, speeches by key dignitaries, a fashion show and performances by the GTP Jubilee Choir.
“We are tremendously honoured to have reached the half century mark as a company,” said Mr. Kofi Boateng, Managing Director of Tex Styles Ghana Ltd, “This day is about recognizing the special place that GTP holds within our community.
...For 50 years we have been woven into the fabric of Ghanaians’ lives and that’s an accomplishment we are truly proud of.”
Several key dignitaries attended the celebration, including the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Mr Kweku Ricketts Hagan, who spoke at the event to congratulate GTP on their jubilee achievement as well as their contribution to the national trade and employment.
Reverend Dr. Joyce Aryee delivered the 50th Anniversary Prayer and both the Honorary Isaac Ashai Odamtten, Mayor of Tema and Mr. Solomon Kotei, ICU General Secretary, spoke at the event to recognize GTP for all they have accomplished over the past 50 years.
TexStyles Ghana Ltd, manufacturer of the GTP and Woodin range of African prints, is a subsidiary of the Vlisco Group, global leader in fashion brands with an African heritage.
As one of the largest tax payers in Ghana, the company contributes immensely to employment, health delivery, social support and environmental education across the nation.
Milestone dates for GTP: The company’s rich history dates back to Kwame Nkrumah’s presidency:
• 1966: Factory incorporated as Ghana Textiles Printing Company, a wax printing company owned by the Ghana Government, Unilever PLC & Gamma Holdings
• 1976: Government of Ghana assumes majority shareholding & UAC (United African Company) retains management control
• 1982: Workers ejected UAC management and take over control of the factory, leading to Unilever and oversee shareholders losing management control
• 1994: Unilever resume management control • 1996: Gamma Holding (represented by Vlisco) assume majority shareholder and management
• 1998: Gamma Holding buys out Unilever • 2004: Company name changes to Tex Styles Ghana Ltd
• 2010: Actis Group of UK acquires 100% of Vlisco group shares
• 2016: Company marks Golden Jubilee Commitment to social responsibilities Over the past 50 years GTP has never lost sight of its passion for the people within its communities, initiating various programs to contribute to the nation’s overall development.
• Employees are assisted with free lunch programs, free transport, scholarships for any employees’ wards entering the senior high school, HIV awareness campaigns and free medical care
• Assistance to disadvantaged groups in the community including: Donating bed sheets and pillow cases to over 15 hospitals thus far; Donating cloth for orphanages; Donating funds to the National Heart Foundation and assisting them with their Annual Charity Ball; Supporting Dr Wiafe Addai in propagating the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, Promotion of the ‘Made in Ghana’ campaign to boost local economy and the Inauguration of the nation’s first water treatment plant to contribute to national sustainability goals.
“I would like to personally thank all our GTP customers and consumers for their continuous patronage of our products which has kept us in business so far. We look forward to another 50 years of success in bringing quality products designed with creativity and originality while never forgetting to give back to the community that has supported us so loyally,” said Mr. Boateng.
