Jobs, not guns, are the most durable answer to insecurity in Northern Ghana — Northshore CEO

Nurideen Mohammed, CEO of Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited, argued that sustainable employment is the most reliable approach to addressing insecurity in Northern Ghana, instead of solely focusing on armed security measures. Addressing the inauguration of the Northshore Apparel Industrial Park in Savelugu, Mr Mohammed emphasized that dignified work could deter young individuals from being lured into conflict by those seeking to incite unrest.

He noted that the true measure of security lies in the productive activity that affords a family steady income, a supplier network, skills development, export revenues, and local supply chains. Mr Mohammed highlighted that industrialization should be considered not merely an economic strategy but also a crucial element of Ghana's national security.

He underscored that Northshore Apparel was founded on the premise that dignified work serves as the most dependable peacebuilder, with economic advancement acting as national security policy in disguise. The establishment of the factory in Savelugu aimed to provide employment opportunities closer to the youth residing in Northern Ghana, who often had to relocate to urban centers in search of work.

Despite encountering skepticism from potential supporters about the riskiness of investing in Northern Ghana due to the region's history of violence, Mr Mohammed remained dedicated to the project, confident that it would attract substantial manufacturing investments and create jobs for the local population, thereby elevating their living standards.

He implored the workers and residents of Savelugu to safeguard the factory and serve as proof to prospective investors of the region's commercial viability. With over 2,300 employees and currently running 50 sewing lines, the facility planned to expand its sewing capacity to 200 lines in the next phase of the project. Supported by GEXIM through a blended financing approach utilizing Germany’s KfW Development Bank's Investing for Employment facility and equity contributions from the project promoters, the factory now boasts 50 sewing lines, a 4,000-square-meter cutting and design area, and 8,000 square meters of storage for raw materials and finished goods.

Initially, the first phase of the project generated 3,000 immediate jobs, with the prospect of expanding direct employment to 10,000 upon full operational capacity.