The Ghanaian government is targeting $1.2 billion in new investments for the country’s garment and textiles sector by 2030, with plans to create 150,000 jobs. As part of its strategy, the government aims to revive cotton cultivation across 50,000 hectares to strengthen local raw material supply.
Mr. Samson Ahi, Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, revealed the government’s plans at a stakeholder validation workshop on the draft Textiles and Garments Manufacturing Policy in Accra. The policy is designed to create a competitive framework that attracts investment, boosts productivity, and positions Ghana as a leading hub for ethical and sustainable apparel manufacturing.
Key proposals under the draft policy include the establishment of five world-class industrial parks, dedicated funds for cotton development and textile upgrades, and fiscal incentives for manufacturers. Mr. Ahi emphasized the sector’s importance as a cultural asset and a key pillar of the government’s industrialization agenda, offering significant potential for job creation, especially for women and youth, while contributing to export diversification and sustainable development.
While Ghana’s garment export sub-sector is steadily growing, challenges such as increasing imports of finished garments and diminishing domestic production capacity remain. Mr. Ahi urged stakeholders to help revitalize Ghana’s textile industry and unlock the full potential of the garments sector.
Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, also called for meaningful stakeholder involvement in the policy development process. “Don’t just validate, validate with a reason,” he urged, encouraging participants to suggest improvements to enhance the policy’s effectiveness.
