Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called for a deliberate effort to add value to Ghana’s cotton before it is exported, arguing that the cou
The report indicates that minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called for a deliberate effort to add value to Ghana’s cotton before it is exported, arguing that the country stands to gain significantly by developing a strong domestic textile and apparel value chain.
It further notes that according to Minister Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana and other African countries continue to lose substantial economic value by exporting raw cotton while importing processed textile products.
Speaking at the launch of the Northshore Apparel manufacturing hub in Savelugu, she highlighted the need for stronger linkages between agriculture and manufacturing.
“Africa’s place in that picture, however, remains far smaller than our raw material base would suggest,” Minister Ofosu-Adjare said.
She noted that Africa supplies close to a tenth of the world’s traded cotton, but exports about 90 per cent of its raw cotton to Asia.
“This is a clear sign of value leaving our shores before it is even spun into thread, let alone sewn into a garment,” she said.
Minister Ofosu-Adjare stated the situation presented an opportunity for Ghana to expand cotton production while developing industries capable of processing the crop into yarn, fabric and finished garments.
She pointed to the vast agricultural potential of northern Ghana, saying the country has more than four million hectares of northern savannah zones, much of which remains uncultivated despite being suitable for cotton production.
“Our country has more than 4 million hectares of northern savannah zones, much of it within which we stand remains uncultivated, even though it’s suitable for cotton cultivation,” she said.
The Minister also stated that she had visited Bente Energies Limited at Zugali, where the company is undertaking experimental cotton cultivation.
“They are cultivating cotton. And it’s doing so well,” she said.
Minister Ofosu-Adjare added that the company had indicated that, if the current cultivation proved successful, it planned to expand production to more than 5,000 hectares next year.
She described the development as positive news for Northshore Apparel and Ghana’s broader apparel industry, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen local sourcing of raw materials.
“This is good news for Northshore and the apparel industry,” she said.
