Ghana's Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called for a deliberate national effort to add value to the country’s cotton before export. This strategic shift aims to significantly boost Ghana's economic gains by developing a robust domestic textile and apparel value chain. The Minister highlighted that Ghana and other African nations currently lose substantial economic value by exporting raw cotton while simultaneously importing processed textile products.
Speaking at the launch of the Northshore Apparel manufacturing hub in Savelugu, Minister Ofosu-Adjare underscored the critical need for stronger connections between agriculture and manufacturing sectors. She noted that Africa supplies nearly one-tenth of the world's traded cotton. However, approximately 90 percent of this raw cotton is exported to Asia. This practice represents a clear loss of value from Ghana's economy before the cotton is even spun into thread or sewn into garments.
This situation presents a significant opportunity for Ghana to expand its cotton production and develop industries capable of processing the crop into yarn, fabric, and finished garments. Minister Ofosu-Adjare pointed to the vast agricultural potential of northern Ghana. The country possesses over 4 million hectares of northern savannah zones, much of which remains uncultivated despite its suitability for cotton production. Developing these areas could significantly increase local raw material supply.
The Minister also shared positive news regarding experimental cotton cultivation. She visited Bente Energies Limited at Zugali, where the company is successfully growing cotton. Bente Energies Limited plans to expand production to more than 5,000 hectares next year if current cultivation proves successful. This development is particularly beneficial for Northshore Apparel and Ghana’s broader apparel industry, as it strengthens local sourcing of raw materials.
Ghana must move away from the traditional practice of exporting raw materials and importing finished products. Greater value must be retained within the country to foster sustainable economic growth. Minister Ofosu-Adjare cited China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam as examples of developing economies that have captured significant portions of the global apparel market. These nations achieved this through deliberate investment in manufacturing and export capacity.
Ghana can similarly position itself as a competitive player by developing the necessary infrastructure, skills, raw material supply, and market access. The newly commissioned Northshore Apparel facility demonstrates the potential of indigenous Ghanaian businesses to invest in large-scale manufacturing. This facility operates outside the traditional industrial centers of Accra and Tema. It is designed to produce competitively for both local and international markets, creating employment opportunities for young people in the Northern Region.
Stronger collaboration between farmers and manufacturers will be crucial for building a sustainable cotton-to-garment industry in Ghana. Producing and processing cotton locally will not only create opportunities for farmers but also support job creation, industrialisation, and export growth. Every garment exported from facilities like Northshore Apparel contributes to building a Ghana that produces, adds value, and exports with pride. The government remains committed to supporting manufacturers, improving the ease of doing business, and opening export markets through Ghana's trade agreements. The ultimate goal is to build an economy that produces more, adds value to its resources, and competes effectively in global markets.