Ghanaian fashion designer and sustainability advocate Beatrice “Bee” Arthur will participate at the official launch of the Reclaim Textile Network (RTN), a new non-governmental organization focused on circular fashion and textile waste recovery. The event will take place on May 30 at GNAT Hall in Accra.
The initiative, founded by Dr. Christiana Okai-Mensah of Accra Technical University’s Fashion and Textiles Design Department, aims to reduce textile waste through reuse, repair and repurposing. RTN’s model targets students, artisans and small-scale producers, with the goal of integrating more sustainable practices into Ghana’s fashion value chain.
Arthur, a leading figure in Ghana’s fashion industry and a domain leader of the Ghana Culture Forum, is expected to spotlight the commercial and environmental potential of circular textile systems. Her presence adds industry credibility to the project, which aligns with broader efforts to develop a green manufacturing base in West Africa.
Ghana produces thousands of tonnes of textile waste annually, exacerbated by both domestic production and secondhand clothing imports. RTN’s launch reflects a growing interest in turning waste into inputs for new production lines, a move that could reduce material costs for local manufacturers and position the country as a hub for sustainable apparel.
The program will also seek to creating new job pathways in repair, remanufacturing and resale. The fashion sector is seen as one of the more scalable opportunities for circular business models, especially as international brands and investors seek sourcing partners that meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.
Ghana’s participation in trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) provides duty-free market access that could make sustainably produced goods more competitive on the global stage.
While the RTN initiative is at an early stage, its backers say it could lay the groundwork for a broader transition to circular production systems across West Africa’s textile industry.
