Savelugu: Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, announced that the inauguration of Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited in Savelugu represents a pivotal shift towards extending industrialization beyond Ghana's traditional economic hubs. This development signifies the potential for the Northern Region to attract substantial industrial investments, generate employment, and enhance the value of local raw materials, thereby contributing to Ghana's export goals.
According to Ghana News Agency, the official commissioning of the Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited, a state-of-the-art garment manufacturing facility, underscores a strategic effort to decentralize industrial growth. Funded through a collaboration involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank, Germany's Investing for Employment via the KfW Development Bank, among others, the establishment of this factory aligns with the government's 24-hour economy initiative.
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare emphasized that the facility is more than just an investment in infrastructure and textiles; it is a significant contribution by a Ghanaian-owned enterprise positioning the region as a viable destination for industrial investment. The factory is designed to be an environmentally responsible manufacturing hub, integrating renewable energy, zero-waste production processes, and fair labor practices. The inclusion of a cr¨che at the facility highlights the importance of considering workers' welfare in industrial development.
Despite Africa's significant cotton production, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare noted the continent's continued export of raw cotton and import of finished textiles and garments, which results in lost value. Ghana, with its available land and resources, especially in the northern savannah zone, has the potential to engage more fully in the global apparel value chain. The government is dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to the establishment of industries nationwide, not just in urban centers.
Highlighting improvements in Ghana's investment outlook, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare referenced the 2025 Annual Investment Report, which states that Ghana attracted $2.62 billion in new investments across 254 projects, with manufacturing leading in project numbers and projected job creation nearing 19,000.
Mr. Sylvester Adinam Mensah, CEO of the Ghana EXIM Bank, remarked that the bank's support for Northshore Apparel aligns with its mission to boost Ghanaian exports, generate foreign exchange, promote agribusiness, and create jobs. This collaboration is part of the bank's strategic plan focusing on garments and apparel manufacturing as a sector for economic transformation. The project has already garnered interest from major buyers in the US and South Africa, demonstrating confidence in its production capabilities and export potential. Mr. Mensah emphasized that this initiative showcases the ability of Ghanaian-owned businesses to engage in large-scale, globally competitive manufacturing operations, significantly advancing the country's industrial and export objectives.