At a recent regional conference in Tema, the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) called on the Ghanaian government to adopt transformative industrial policies—including a 24-hour economy model—to revive the country’s struggling textile industry.
Addressing the gathering, ICU General Secretary Morgan Ayawine emphasized the need to reignite Ghana’s textile sector by implementing continuous production systems. He argued that round-the-clock operations would not only boost manufacturing output but also create significant employment opportunities.
“Ghana’s textile factories once served as engines of job creation and community development,” Ayawine stated. “To restore that legacy, we must move beyond mechanization to sustainable human capital engagement.”
The ICU leader spotlighted key state-owned textile enterprises—Tex Styles Ghana Limited, Akosombo Industrial Company Limited, and Volta Star Textile Limited—warning that they currently face severe financial and operational challenges. He urged the government to prioritize these companies with increased funding, infrastructure upgrades, and supportive policies aimed at restoring their competitiveness.
One of the union’s critical demands is the retention of the current Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption for the textile industry. According to Ayawine, removing the VAT relief would significantly increase production costs, making locally made textiles less competitive in the face of cheap imports, many of which are counterfeit.
The call for a 24-hour economic framework arrives amid growing national interest in extended work cycles as a tool for economic expansion. Proponents argue that such a model could enhance productivity, reduce unemployment, and ensure better utilization of public and private sector investments.
Ayawine insisted that revitalizing the textile sector is a national imperative that requires bold intervention. “This is not just about machines—it’s about people. We need policies that create jobs and protect our industries from collapsing under the weight of imported goods,” he said.
The ICU’s proposal underscores a broader concern over Ghana’s industrial stagnation. While the government has made strides through initiatives like One District One Factory (1D1F), labor leaders contend that more targeted, sector-specific support is needed to ensure sustainable growth.
Ayawine concluded by calling for strengthened public-private partnerships and a long-term vision to reindustrialize Ghana. “Our textile industry is a strategic asset. If we are serious about economic independence and development, this sector must not be allowed to fail,” he affirmed.
As policymakers weigh next steps for industrial development, the ICU’s rallying cry serves as a timely reminder that comprehensive reforms—centered on both people and productivity—are essential to restore Ghana’s textile industry to its former prominence.
