Mrs Makafui Hodanu, Business Advisor with the Board, said land as well as some structures had been secured, and that with the provision of about 150 industrial sewing machines, the Hohoe Municipality could evolve into one of the most vibrant garment processing hubs in the country.

 He made the appeal during a business development forum organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Volta/ Eastern branch in Hohoe.

 Mr Hodanu said close to 500 out of the 800 apprentices under the Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship Programme of the NBSSI were being trained in garment making, and had to be absorbed into production outlets.

 Mr Hodanu further noted that the area was already known for its burgeoning garment industry with dozens of Associations ready to capitalise on both local and international market opportunities, therefore such a factory seemed the best pick under the One District One Factory initiative.

Mr Dela Gadzanku, Regional Chairman, AGI, lauded the initiative and promised to engage stakeholders on realising the "ambitions" project.

He said although the garment industry remained one of the vibrant sectors under the AGI, trade opportunities under the African Growth and Opportunity Act were not fully taken advantage of by players in the sector.

Mr Gadzanku was however hopeful that with State interventions such the removal of "nuisance" taxes, and reduction of power tariffs, such industries would make an ascent.

 Mr Gadzanku said the Association would ensure a strong representation of garment producers at its upcoming industrial summit, and would continue to engage Government on regulating the importation of used clothing to guarantee growth within the sector.

He said the Hohoe Municipality had strong indicators of industrial vibrancy, and asked SMEs to join the AGI for benefits such as funding support, skills training and transfer, as well as a broad market access.

 Mr Teddy Ofori, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said AGI's presence within the Municipality brought significant improvement to SMEs, and helped increase the Assembly's revenue.

 He pledged the Assembly's readiness to work with the Association, with a further promise of more tax waivers for businesses under its wings.

The MCE said the Assembly was working with GRATIS Foundation to establish a Rural Technology facility within the light industrial area of the Municipality to supply basic tools for industries in the region and beyond.