Ghana has taken a major step toward strengthening its position in the global textile and apparel market with the successful completion of its first-ever Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production( WRAP) Technical Assistance Training of Trainers workshop. The event, is the first of its kind not only in Ghana but in West Africa.
Organised by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI) with support from GIZ under its Invest for Jobs programme, the two-day workshop was designed to create a pool of certified WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) Technical Assistants. These professionals will support local garment factories in achieving internationally recognised labour, environmental, and ethical standards.
Delivering closing remarks, Deputy Minister Sampson Ahi described the training as a strategic investment in Ghana’s future as a competitive player in the global textile sector.
“This workshop is more than just a training session. It is a strategic investment in Ghana’s future as a key player in the global textile and apparel industry,” he said.
The Deputy Minister stressed that WRAP certification is no longer a choice but a necessity for factories aiming to remain viable in international markets. He noted that without it, Ghanaian producers risk losing contracts with global retailers and undermining the reputation of the Made-in-Ghana brand.
Currently, only two companies in Ghana hold WRAP certification, with two more awaiting approval and nine others in preparatory stages. High costs for foreign audits and operational gaps have made compliance difficult, but the training of local technical assistants is expected to reduce these barriers.
“This strategic training will reduce reliance on foreign auditors and facilitate the application process for WRAP certification,” Mr Ahi noted.
“It will also enable Ghanaian factories to earn global trust and integrate into international supply chains.”
The programme is aligned with the government’s Vision 2033 for the textile and garment industry, which aims to develop a modern, sustainable sector valued at over $2 billion and capable of generating 150,000 direct jobs.
Ghana is already home to West Africa’s largest garment factory, employing over 5,000 workers and producing more than 1.35 million garments monthly. A new 200,000-square-foot facility under construction is projected to add 6,000 new jobs, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a regional manufacturing hub.
Addressing the workshop participants, Mr Ahi encouraged them to apply their training to help expand certification across the sector and support other industry players.
“You are trailblazers in a movement that will shape the future of Ghana’s apparel exports,” he said.
“Use the knowledge gained here to build connections and support other industry players.”
He thanked GIZ and other development partners for their support and called for sustained collaboration to develop more skilled professionals.
“This training is not just a capacity-building exercise, it is a springboard for opportunity, credibility, and competitiveness,” he added.
Mr John Duti, team leader, also addressed the workshop, highlighting the textile sector’s transformation from informal domestic tailoring to structured factory production. He reflected on Ghana’s cultural connection to garment-making and described the sector as a promising avenue for youth employment. He reaffirmed the government’s support for developing the physical economy, including the textile and garment sub-sector.
