Ghana is taking bold steps to rejuvenate its textile and garment sector, a move the government says is central to the country’s industrial transformation in the 21st century. Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Sampson Ahi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening local manufacturing and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
At the heart of this initiative is a new policy requiring all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to source uniforms locally. To ensure a smooth rollout, a dedicated working group has been set up to oversee compliance, ensuring that both garments and the fabrics used in their production are made in Ghana.
Deputy Minister Ahi highlighted that the program aims to bolster local content, create employment, and help Ghana meet its rules-of-origin obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He emphasized, “The recovery of Ghana’s textile and garment industry will not only transform livelihoods — it will redefine what is possible for Ghana.”
The initiative aligns with the 2024 NDC Manifesto, which lays out a comprehensive plan to rejuvenate the sector. Key strategies include:
- Strategic government procurement to secure sustainable markets
- Development of modern manufacturing hubs
- Affordable access to credit for local manufacturers
- Reliable supply of raw materials
- Aggressive promotion of Made-in-Ghana brands
Speaking at the National Dialogue on Local Procurement in Apparel, Garment & Textiles in Accra on December 4, 2025, Deputy Minister Ahi described the event as “a defining moment in our nation’s industrial journey — a turning point towards economic renewal and shared prosperity.” He praised the private sector for its collaborative role, stressing that public-private partnerships will be critical to the initiative’s success.
Government Procurement as a Driver of Industrial Growth
Deputy Minister Ahi also highlighted the potential of strategic government procurement to transform industries, citing international examples from South Korea, the United States, and Malaysia, where public purchasing policies helped domestic industries thrive. “These examples prove a simple principle: when the government stands with purpose, it does not merely buy goods — it builds industries, creates jobs, and secures economic sovereignty,” he said.
He added that Ghana has the legal framework and political will to achieve similar results, referencing the Public Procurement Act (2003), which empowers state agencies to prioritize locally produced goods and Ghanaian-owned firms.
A Vision for a ‘Made-in-Ghana’ Future
In a compelling appeal, Deputy Minister Ahi urged stakeholders to imagine a Ghana where locally made garments are standard across government institutions. “Picture a Ghana where every school uniform, military fatigue, hospital linen, and ceremonial robe proudly bears the Made-in-Ghana label,” he said.
He projected that a revitalized textile industry could create hundreds of thousands of quality jobs in cities such as Kumasi, Tamale, Accra, and Takoradi, while also positioning Ghanaian designers for export opportunities in markets like Abu Dhabi, Nairobi, and New York. “This is not a dream. It is a plan. And today, together, we take the first decisive steps toward making it a reality,” Deputy Minister Ahi concluded.
Source: Citinewsroom
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