The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, has announced plans by the government to support the private sector to establish three large-scale garment factories as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and expand Ghana’s manufacturing base.

According to the Minister, the proposed factories are expected to generate about 27,000 direct jobs when fully operational, offering a major boost to employment, particularly for the youth.

“The government is going to support the private sector to establish three big garment factories. And we seek to employ, in the long run, 27,000 people in these garment factories,” she said at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 21.

She explained that the garment industry presents a unique opportunity for rapid job creation because it does not require specialised skills or formal educational qualifications for entry-level roles.

“Garment factory is one industry that employs a lot of people. The beauty is that you don't have to learn for three or five months before you can start work. It is that industry that trains you for four weeks, and you already have a job,” she said.

She further noted that the division of labour within the industry makes training faster and more focused.

“Because of division in labour specialisation, if your work is just doing colour, we can train you in just making colour,” she added.

Madam Ofosu-Agyare stressed that the factories will be inclusive, offering employment opportunities to people regardless of educational background.

“It employs all categories who have not even gone to school at all. And so this is one where jobs can be created whether you have a certificate or you don't have a certificate,” she said.

She said the initiative reflects government’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to drive industrial growth, create sustainable jobs and strengthen Ghana’s position in the garment and textile value chain.