The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
The Ghanaian government has approved a new textile and garment policy aimed at revitalizing the industry, with targets to attract $1.2 billion in investment and create 150,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next decade. The policy seeks to grow the sector’s value from an estimated $400 million to $2 billion. Additionally, the initiative aims to revive domestic cotton production by cultivating 50,000 hectares to secure a local supply of raw materials. The targets were announced by George Amoah, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Director of Research, during the launch of the second phase of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work programme. Mr. Amoah emphasized that while investment in infrastructure is essential, the sector’s growth also requires a skilled workforce, efficient production systems, and strong management. He noted that the global garment industry employs approximately 94 million people, with women comprising 60 to 80 percent of the workforce. During the event, ILO Programmes Manager Bismark Ghartey highlighted the achievements of the programme's first phase, which included the development of Ghana’s first productivity statistics. These statistics provide a national evidence base for discussions regarding employment, wages, and policy. Mr. Ghartey also noted the programme's role in the shea sector, where it facilitated the establishment of the Shea Employers Association and the Ghana Shea Workers Union, leading to the sector’s first collective bargaining agreement in 2026. Stephan Ulrich, the ILO’s Global Programme Manager for the Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work, stated that the second phase will focus on coordinating productivity improvements across policy, labor, and enterprise levels. He cautioned that economic growth does not automatically result in job creation, necessitating deliberate pathways to transition workers into decent employment. The programme is funded by the Swiss government through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. Janine Walz, Switzerland’s Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation to Ghana, advocated for a coordinated approach to job creation, noting that productivity improvements require collaboration between businesses and institutions. The Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work programme is designed to address structural factors contributing to low productivity and high informality, rather than focusing solely on their symptoms. The new textile and garment policy is expected to be formally launched by the Ministry of Trade and Industry as part of these broader efforts to strengthen the national economy. Article source: My Joy Online | Image credit: My Joy Online
The Ghanaian government has approved a new textile and garment policy aimed at revitalizing the industry, with targets to attract $1.2 billion in investment and create 150,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next decade. The policy seeks to grow the sector’s value from an estimated $400 million to $2 billion. Additionally, the initiative aims to revive domestic cotton production by cultivating 50,000 hectares to secure a local supply of raw materials. The targets were announced by George Amoah, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Director of Research, during the launch of the second phase of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work programme. Mr. Amoah emphasized that while investment in infrastructure is essential, the sector’s growth also requires a skilled workforce, efficient production systems, and strong management. He noted that the global garment industry employs approximately 94 million people, with women comprising 60 to 80 percent of the workforce. During the event, ILO Programmes Manager Bismark Ghartey highlighted the achievements of the programme’s first phase, which included the development of Ghana’s first productivity statistics. These statistics provide a national evidence base for discussions regarding employment, wages, and policy. Mr. Ghartey also noted the programme’s role in the shea sector, where it facilitated the establishment of the Shea Employers Association and the Ghana Shea Workers Union, leading to the sector’s first collective bargaining agreement in 2026. Stephan Ulrich, the ILO’s Global Programme Manager for the Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work, stated that the second phase will focus on coordinating productivity improvements across policy, labor, and enterprise levels. He cautioned that economic growth does not automatically result in job creation, necessitating deliberate pathways to transition workers into decent employment. The programme is funded by the Swiss government through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. Janine Walz, Switzerland’s Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation to Ghana, advocated for a coordinated approach to job creation, noting that productivity improvements require collaboration between businesses and institutions. The Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work programme is designed to address structural factors contributing to low productivity and high informality, rather than focusing solely on their symptoms. The new textile and garment policy is expected to be formally launched by the Ministry of Trade and Industry as part of these broader efforts to strengthen the national economy.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
