Ghana’s annual textile import bill has surged to a staggering US$1.5 billion, raising concerns among policymakers and industry stakeholders about the country’s increasing dependency on foreign goods and the toll it takes on domestic manufacturing.
Speaking at the launch of the Volta Trade and Investment Fair in Juapong, Dr. Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo, Director of Partnerships for the 24-Hour Economy initiative, issued a sobering warning: Ghana now imports close to 80% of its essential products, threatening economic sovereignty and stifling job creation.
From Industrial Legacy to Import Dependency
Ghana was once a regional industrial leader. Historical benchmarks include the production of Volta Corned Beef, West Africa’s first transistor radios, and locally assembled Sanyo televisions—all cited by Dr. Dodoo as proof of the country’s capability for world-class manufacturing.
“Our economic history proves we have the capacity,” he said, adding that reviving a 24-hour production framework could reignite competitiveness and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
Volta Economic Corridor: A Catalyst for Growth
A cornerstone of this revival plan is the Volta Economic Corridor, a mega-project designed to build integrated logistics and transport systems across Volta Lake, enabling the movement of over 8.2 million tons of cargo annually. Beyond transport, the corridor is expected to drive agricultural production and regional manufacturing, giving Ghana access to West Africa’s $1.3 trillion market.
Labour Unions and Textile Industry Stakeholders Join Forces
Labour groups have thrown their support behind the industrial agenda. Edith Abla Amenuvor Afewu, General Secretary of the Textile Workers Union, emphasized the social impact of restoring the sector: “Reviving Volta Star Textiles means restoring household dignity and economic stability.”
Once employing more than 25,000 workers across 16 textile companies, Ghana’s textile sector has shrunk dramatically—only three manufacturers remain operational today.
A $100 Million Revival Plan for Volta Star Textiles
Jerome Kwaku Dunyo, Managing Director of the now-dormant Volta Star Textiles, revealed a $100 million revival strategy to resuscitate operations at the Juapong facility. The plan includes scalable investment tranches beginning at $25 million, allowing phased implementation and faster resumption of production.
Dunyo acknowledged the government’s backing, particularly the ongoing support of former President John Mahama, for revitalizing the nation’s textile heritage.
Volta Trade Fair Highlights Investment Opportunities
Held under the theme “Volta Rising: Building Global Partnerships for a Thriving 24-Hour Economy”, the trade fair served as both a promotional platform and a policy forum. Organizers hope it will draw new investors to the region and demonstrate how local manufacturing can thrive with the right infrastructure and political will.
Regional development officials view the Volta Region as a model for broader national industrial transformation, with success in Juapong potentially replicable across Ghana.
As the country looks to reclaim its industrial prowess, stakeholders agree: restoring the textile industry could be a key step toward economic independence and inclusive growth.
