Ghana targets $1.2bn investment and 150,000 jobs under new textile policy
Ghana is targeting about $1.2 billion in investment and 150,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next decade under a new textile and garment policy approved by Cabinet. The policy, which is expected to be formally launched by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, also seeks to expand the country's textile and garment industry from an estimated $400 million to about $2 billion. It…
Ghana aims to attract approximately USD 1.2 billion in investment and generate around 150,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next ten years through a new textile and garment policy, according to a Cabinet-approved measure. The initiative seeks to boost the country's textile and garment industry from its current valuation of about USD 400 million to around USD 2 billion.
Additionally, the policy endeavors to revive domestic cotton production across 50,000 hectares to enhance the availability of local raw materials and stimulate industry growth.
Director of Research at Ghana's Trade Ministry, George Amoah, highlighted the textile and garment sector as a major source of employment, with the capacity to provide decent jobs and alleviate unemployment. He emphasized that while investment in factories and equipment is crucial, a skilled workforce, efficient production systems, effective management, adherence to standards, and conducive working conditions are equally essential to achieve the sector's growth objectives.
Programmes Manager Bismark Ghartey of the International Labour Organization (ILO) shared some accomplishments of the first phase of the Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work program. He noted that the program facilitated the creation of Ghana's initial productivity statistics, offering a national foundation for discussions on productivity, employment, wages, and policy.
He also mentioned the establishment of the Shea Employers Association and the Ghana Shea Workers Union within the shea sector, which subsequently signed the industry's first collective bargaining agreement in 2026. The agreement serves as a framework for employers and workers to tackle shared concerns through dialogue.
Stephan Ulrich, the Global Programmes Manager for the Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work at ILO, stated that the second phase of the program would build upon the initial efforts by coordinating productivity enhancements at the policy, labor, and enterprise levels. He stressed the necessity of deliberate strategies to assist workers in transitioning into more decent employment, acknowledging that economic growth does not inevitably result in job creation.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
