The Government of Ghana is positioning its textile and garment manufacturing industry as a central pillar in the nation’s industrialization agenda, projecting a sectoral value of over US$2 billion by 2033, according to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.
The bold initiative, currently under stakeholder review, aims to attract US$1.2 billion in new investments, create 150,000 direct and indirect jobs, and revive cotton cultivation on 50,000 hectares of farmland—reestablishing a sustainable raw materials base for local production.
Speaking at a stakeholder validation workshop on the draft Textiles and Garment Manufacturing Policy in Accra, Deputy Minister Samson Ahi described the initiative as a “national economic priority,” stressing the importance of collective action across both public and private sectors.
“This is not just about economic growth; it’s about building a robust, export-ready industry that creates quality jobs and uplifts rural economies through cotton production,” Mr. Ahi said.
He emphasized that while the targets were ambitious, they were within reach through strategic coordination, innovation, and policy support.
In a complementary address, Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, highlighted the importance of ensuring that job creation within the sector reflects inclusive and merit-based employment practices, with a focus on empowering women and the youth.
“We need to reset the economy with a focus on results and resilience. That means hiring based on capacity, not connections,” Dr. Pelpuo noted. “Let’s make the textile industry a launchpad for youth development and economic transformation.”
The draft policy, once finalized, is expected to become the framework for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the textile and garment sector, aligning with Ghana’s broader goals under the Ghana CARES programme and AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area).
