By Desmond Tinana
Over 250 youth have acquired life-changing fashion and design skills through the Garment Technology Centre in Ho, which was established and managed by veteran fashion designer Monica Akoeley Amegashie-Viglo. For more than three decades, she has dedicated her career to training women to become self-reliant entrepreneurs in Ghana’s garment industry.
Mrs Amegashie-Viglo, a certified NVTI trainer and member of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), founded the centre to provide structured training in fashion design, garment technology, and female modelling. She explained that, though her outfit serves both government and private institutions, individuals, political figures, and schools, in making dresses, the main focus is training the youth to learn how to sew.
Currently, about 16 trainees are enrolled at the centre, but hundreds of others have passed through her mentorship. Some have pursued further technical education, while others operate successful tailoring shops. “I’ve trained more than 250,” she said. “Some are on their own now doing their work.”
Madam Viglo added that her passion is to encourage the youth to become self-employed. Even though some trainees struggle to pay their fees, she allows them to continue learning, saying that “money is a secondary matter as long as the person is dedicated.”
Monica Amegashie-Viglo shared the story of how her fashion journey began with a passion for creativity. “When I see people wear dresses, it looks nice to me, so I decided to become a fashion designer.” After formal training and years of experience in garment production, she pursued advanced studies at Ho Technical University to refine her expertise.
The former Volta Regional Vice Chairperson and Treasurer of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) and a committed church leader and marriage counsellor at the Global Evangelical Church, Ho has, over the years, combined professionalism, faith, and mentorship.
Among her most memorable experiences was a partnership with a visiting professor from Jamaica who sponsored a sewing competition for her students. The winners received industrial machines and other tools. “That was one thing I’ll never forget,” she said. “The students were so happy for the award they received.”
Despite facing challenges such as financial hardship among trainees and limited resources, Mrs Amegashie-Viglo remains dedicated to the work. She believes that with adequate support, vocational training can transform the lives of thousands more. “If you don’t have peace of mind, you can’t do this work,” she said, explaining how she often steps in to help students with feeding and accommodation.
Through social media, she has built an audience of more than 200,000 followers across Africa and millions of views using the platform to promote skill development and showcase Ghanaian creativity. Her online presence has become a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs.
Looking to the future, she hopes to expand her centre and introduce short courses for both male and female trainees. “Though I want to relax or retire, I’m still doing it for now,” she said, adding that her daughter is preparing to take over the business. “I’m grooming her to continue what I started.”
According to her “Skill training is good. Whatever you want to learn — sewing, hairdressing, carpentry — learn it and add it to whatever you do. You will never regret it.”
Through the Garment Technology Centre, Monica Akoeley Amegashie-Viglo continues to prove that empowering one young woman through skills training can uplift an entire community.
