Ghanaian artisans and workers in the textiles, garments, and shea value chains were celebrated for their vital role in driving industrial and economic development at the Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work (PE4DW) Exhibition held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Accra.
The event, hosted at the Swiss Ambassador’s residence, was organized in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Delivering remarks on behalf of the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, Mr. Kwesi Ofori Antwi, Head of Textiles and Garment, praised the resilience, creativity, and commitment of the workers, describing them as “the backbone of the nation’s industrial progress.”
Mr. Ahi commended the ILO and partner embassies for their collaboration under the PE4DW Programme, noting that the initiative, piloted in Ghana, South Africa, and Vietnam since 2022, is helping address structural challenges such as low productivity and high informality while promoting sustainable job creation and ethical standards.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that PE4DW interventions align with government efforts to strengthen competitiveness, referencing ongoing work on the Draft Ghana Textiles and Garments Manufacturing Policy. This policy aims to position Ghana as a regional hub for ethical and sustainable production, targeting US$1.2 billion in investment, 150,000 new jobs, and the revival of 50,000 hectares of cotton farming by 2033.
Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Simone Giger, commended Ghanaian talent, particularly women, in the celebrated value chains. Beneficiaries of the PE4DW initiative expressed gratitude to the program partners, particularly the ILO, for providing machinery and support that has enabled them to scale up processing and expand their businesses.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
