Presidential Advisor, Goosie Tanoh, has stressed Ghana’s critical role in the development of Africa’s textile and garment industry, calling for unified public-private efforts to unlock the country’s full manufacturing potential.

Speaking at the Public-Private Dialogue on Fast-Tracking Light Industrial Parks for Garments, Textiles, and Light Manufacturing in Ghana, held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Mr Tanoh underscored the urgency of aligning policy, investment, and infrastructure to drive industrial growth and regional trade integration.

“This meeting is about bringing regulators, investors, and development finance institutions together to chart a way forward for Ghana’s textile and garment sector,” he said. “It’s a huge industry globally, and Ghana is keen to be part of that value opportunity.”

Mr Tanoh highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a game-changer, noting that the prospect of a unified African market positions Ghana as a gateway for manufacturing both garments and fabrics for over 1.4 billion consumers.

“Once we are plugged into that ecosystem, Africa becomes our market,” he said. “Ghana is well situated geographically, and with reliable power, water, affordable energy, modern connectivity, and a competitive labour force – not just in terms of productivity, but also mindset – we can attract significant foreign direct investment.”

A key component of Ghana’s industrial strategy, Mr Tanoh said, is the proposed 24-hour economy programme. He explained that this initiative aims to decentralise industrial activity, increase output, and create ‘critical clusters’ of production which allow for shared infrastructure, skills development, and enhanced market access.

“Incentives under the 24-hour economy will benefit not only foreign investors but also local entrepreneurs – those already in the business and those aspiring to enter,” he noted.

According to Mr Tanoh, six locations – Kumasi, Tamale, Ho, Cape Coast, and Afienya – have been identified as hubs for garment and textile parks, with an emphasis on raw material production and supply. These industrial parks are expected to anchor Ghana’s ambitions to become a regional manufacturing powerhouse.

“By building these clusters, we promote specialisation, reduce costs, improve quality, and enable Ghanaian products to compete both regionally and internationally,” he added.

He also pointed out that amid ongoing global tariff wars, Ghana has become an attractive destination for nearshoring – where manufacturers move operations closer to end markets – due to its favourable trade regime and strategic location.

“Ghana is increasingly seen as a haven for manufacturing for export, particularly as our tariffs are lower than most,” Mr Tanoh concluded.

The event convened industry leaders, policy makers, and financial institutions to explore practical pathways for accelerating industrialisation, generating employment, and transforming Ghana’s economic landscape through sustainable textile and garment production.