Contributions of artisans and workers in the textiles, garments and shea value chains have been recognised at the Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work (PE4DW) Exhibition held in Accra. The event celebrated the people whose work continues to anchor some of the country’s most dynamic value chains.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Sampson Ahi, the Head of Textiles and Garment, Kwesi Ofori Antwi, praised the resilience and creativity of workers powering the sector’s growth. Ahi described Ghana’s textiles, garment and shea workers as “the backbone of the nation’s industrial progress.”
Hosted at the Swiss Ambassador’s residence, the exhibition highlighted the personal stories, skills and craftsmanship behind the country’s productive sectors, particularly shea and textiles. It was organised in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Ahi commended the ILO and partner embassies for their collaboration under the PE4DW Programme, launched in 2022 and piloted in Ghana, South Africa and Vietnam. He noted that the initiative is helping to tackle persistent structural challenges, including low productivity, high informality, and limited compliance with ethical standards, while supporting sustainable job creation.
“The exhibition is a compelling tribute to the perseverance and innovation of our artisans, processors and workers,” he said. “Their contributions drive economic growth, preserve cultural heritage and support communities livelihoods.”
Ahi stressed that PE4DW interventions align with government efforts to enhance competitiveness across the textiles, garments and shea industries. He referenced the recent national dialogue on local procurement and reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening local content rules and defending domestic industries against unfair imports.
He also highlighted ongoing work on the Draft Ghana Textiles and Garments Manufacturing Policy, which aims to position the country as a regional hub for ethical and sustainable production. The policy targets US$1.2 billion in investment, 150,000 new jobs and the revival of 50,000 hectares of cotton farming by 2033. In addition, he pointed to the Agribusiness Policy under development, noting that enterprises benefiting from the PE4DW programme are expected to gain from its provisions.
Swiss Ambassador Simone Giger commended Ghanaian talent, particularly the women sustaining the shea and textiles value chains, and praised the ILO and Norwegian Embassy for supporting an initiative that is improving livelihoods and creating jobs.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing decent work, saying improved conditions of service are gradually becoming a reality for more workers.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed gratitude to the ILO and partners for providing machinery and support that has enabled them to scale up shea butter processing and expand their businesses.
