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August 28, 2026
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Add value to cotton before export – Trade Minister urges Ghana
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Key Points
- Minister Ofosu-Adjare advocates for Ghana to add value to its cotton domestically to develop a strong textile and apparel value chain, instead of exporting raw materials.
- She highlighted that Ghana and other African countries lose significant economic value by exporting raw cotton while importing processed textile products.
- The Minister pointed to over four million hectares of uncultivated northern savannah zones suitable for cotton production and cited Bente Energies Limited's successful experimental cultivation with plans for expansion.
- She stressed the need for Ghana to emulate countries like China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam by investing in manufacturing, infrastructure, skills, and market access to become a competitive player in the global apparel market.
- The newly launched Northshore Apparel manufacturing hub in Savelugu was showcased as an example of indigenous investment, designed to create jobs and produce for local and international markets, reinforcing the government's commitment to industrialization and export growth.
Why This Matters
This article is significant for Ghana as it outlines a strategic shift towards industrialization and economic diversification. By advocating for domestic value addition to cotton, Ghana aims to retain more wealth, create jobs, and reduce reliance on raw material exports, ultimately strengthening its economy and positioning itself as a competitive player in the global textile market.
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