Ghana’s textile and garment industry could become a major driver of job creation and economic growth if deliberate steps are taken to boost local patronage and reduce reliance on imports, Managing Director of Mackenzie Ghana Limited (MGL), Mr Michael Asare Yeboah, has said.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Yeboah stressed that the sector holds significant potential to absorb labour, particularly among the youth, but continues to struggle due to competition from cheaper imported clothing.
He explained that increased patronage of locally-made textiles would not only sustain existing businesses but also stimulate expansion across the value chain, from cotton production and fabric processing to garment manufacturing and retail.
“Beyond quality, we must support local industries because they have the capacity to create jobs and contribute meaningfully to economic development,” he said.
Mr Yeboah pointed out that Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported clothing continues to drain foreign exchange and weaken domestic industrial capacity, limiting the sector’s contribution to GDP growth.
He cited Côte d’Ivoire as a case study, noting that policy measures, including restrictions on second-hand clothing imports, have helped strengthen local production, expand employment and keep financial resources circulating within the domestic economy.
“If Ghana adopts similar measures, the garment sector can create sustainable jobs and drive industrial growth,” he said.
According to him, a thriving local textile industry would support broader economic objectives, including import substitution, increased manufacturing output and enhanced value addition within the economy.
He emphasised that when consumers and institutions prioritise locally-produced garments, it creates a multiplier effect boosting incomes, increasing tax revenues and strengthening supply chains.
Mr Yeboah also called on corporate institutions and government agencies to prioritise local garment manufacturers in procurement processes, noting that consistent demand through contracts could stabilise the industry and encourage investment.
He, however, acknowledged persistent structural challenges facing the sector, including high production costs, limited access to raw materials, weak financing support and declining sales due to import competition.
“These constraints make it difficult for local manufacturers to scale up and compete effectively,” he said.
Mr Yeboah urged government to implement targeted policies to support the industry, including access to affordable financing, improved supply chains, and incentives for local production.
He maintained that with the right policy support and consumer behaviour shift, the textile and garment sector could regain its position as a key pillar of Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.
