Ghana’s efforts to rebuild its domestic garment industry have received renewed support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), which is backing a new advocacy initiative aimed at increasing local sourcing of uniforms and workwear.
The garment sector in Ghana is currently valued at around US$400 million, with government plans to expand it beyond US$2 billion by 2033. The strategy also targets the creation of 150,000 jobs and the expansion of cotton cultivation across more than 50,000 hectares, strengthening the country’s upstream textile supply base.
Despite this potential, Ghana continues to rely heavily on imports, with over 70% of textiles and garments consumed domestically sourced from abroad each year. Industry stakeholders say this dependence limits local value addition and constrains employment growth.
To address the imbalance, the Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers (AGAM) has intensified efforts to influence public procurement policy, focusing on ministries and public institutions that purchase uniforms and workwear. With technical assistance from the ILO, AGAM has established an Advocacy Implementation Committee and developed a position paper outlining sector challenges, policy priorities, and the potential economic and employment benefits of higher local sourcing.
“This support will strengthen AGAM’s structures and operations and position us as a credible and influential voice in shaping policies and programmes that affect the garment industry and Ghana’s broader economic development,” said Audrey Nana Pocquah, AGAM’s national coordinator.
The ILO’s support is part of its global ‘Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work’ programme, which aims to improve industrial competitiveness while promoting decent employment. Funded by Switzerland and Norway, the programme is currently active in Ghana, South Africa, and Vietnam, and seeks to align productivity growth with inclusive job creation.
Industry observers say stronger local sourcing policies—particularly in public procurement—could play a critical role in accelerating Ghana’s garment industry revival, reducing import dependence, and building a more resilient textile and apparel value chain.
