President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu, Northern Region. This new garment manufacturing facility is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs upon reaching full production capacity. The factory represents a significant step towards boosting Ghana's exports and strengthening the national economy.
The Northshore Apparel Hub is a wholly Ghanaian-owned enterprise. It aims to provide substantial employment opportunities for young people, particularly in the Northern Region. The factory produces garments for both local consumption and international markets, positioning Ghana as a competitive player in the global apparel industry.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to attract productive investments. The government seeks to move away from aid dependency towards investment-driven growth. This approach focuses on sectors that generate sustainable employment and increase export revenues. The Northshore Apparel project exemplifies this new partnership model for industrialisation.
President Mahama commended the private investors behind the project. He also praised the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Ghana EXIM Bank) for its crucial financial support. The President highlighted Ghana EXIM Bank's redirected focus towards impactful financing. This financing targets projects that create jobs, promote industrialization, and increase exports for the country.
The commissioning of the Northshore Apparel Hub signals a commitment to expanding Ghana's productive capacity. It aims to create sustainable economic opportunities for the growing population. The factory has already created thousands of jobs, with projections for significant expansion. Its export-oriented production will contribute substantially to Ghana's foreign exchange earnings.
This project forms a core part of the government's 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development agenda. These initiatives seek to stimulate industrial development across Ghana. Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, confirmed the target of 10,000 direct jobs. He noted the company's inclusive employment strategy, which includes persons with disabilities.
The facility also features social amenities like a clinic and a crèche for its workers. These provisions aim to support employees and their families. The establishment of this factory in Savelugu is expected to spur wider economic activity. It will create opportunities in related sectors such as transportation, food services, and logistics.
Sylvester Adinam Mensah, CEO of Ghana EXIM Bank, described the project as a major step. He sees it as crucial for Ghana's industrial transformation. Mr. Mensah emphasized the success achieved when local enterprise, government backing, and development finance combine. This collaboration supports productive investments that benefit the nation.
The Northshore Apparel Hub's commissioning is set to solidify the Northern Region's status. It is emerging as an industrial centre. This development provides thousands of young people with skilled and formal employment. These opportunities are available closer to their home communities, reducing the need for rural-urban migration.