Government aims to grow Ghana’s textile and garment industry to more than US$2 billion in value by 2033, under a draft policy framework designed to revitalise the sector and position it as a key driver of economic growth.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the plan is expected to attract US$1.2 billion in new investments, generate around 150,000 direct and indirect jobs, and revive cotton cultivation across 50,000 hectares of farmland nationwide.
“We aim to scale the industry to a value of over US$2 billion, attract US$1.2 billion in new investments, create 150,000 jobs, and ensure quality cotton production across 50,000 hectares of farmland,” said Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Samson Ahi, during a stakeholder validation workshop on the draft policy in Accra.
“These objectives are ambitious, but they are achievable through collective effort. Today’s workshop is not just about reviewing a document; it is about setting a shared roadmap that will shape the future of the industry,” he added.
The draft Textiles and Garment Manufacturing Policy, once finalised, is intended to serve as a national blueprint to guide the sector’s expansion, attract long-term investment, and strengthen Ghana’s export competitiveness in global textile markets.
Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, urged stakeholders to align the policy with inclusive job creation goals, particularly for women and young people, while guarding against patronage and inefficiencies.
“Do not create policies that lead to overstaffing or political favoritism. Hire people based on their competence and capacity to drive change. Our focus should be on building a future for young people. At the time we took over, nearly 15% of youth were unemployed. We need a mindset reset, a reset of the economy,” Dr Pelpuo said.
The policy is expected to chart a sustainable path for Ghana’s textile and garment sector, which has seen inconsistent growth in recent decades due to rising production costs, limited raw material supply, and stiff international competition.
