The volume of textile waste in Ghana has been vastly over-estimated, according to a new study. Less than 5% of the second-hand clothing imported into Ghana could be considered waste.
- The assertion has been made in a report An Evaluation of the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of the Second-Hand Clothes Trade in Ghana, published by the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA) on Tuesday.
The report had been commissioned to:
- Present the current reality of the second-hand clothing industry in Ghana.
- Verify or challenge assertions in the global media that portray Ghana as a major dumping ground for European clothes.
- Provide recommendations for public and private sector stakeholders based on findings about textile waste.
The report particularly addressed the European Union (EU). It said that instead of imposing restrictions (on textile waste exports) the EU should focus on promoting responsible trade practices, investing in recycling infrastructure, and supporting capacity-building initiatives.
THE HIGHLIGHTS: Other findings include:
- A very small percentage of traders (1.9%) consider clothing in a bale to be waste when it is just stained. Similarly, a very small percentage of traders (1.6%) consider clothing in a bale to be waste when it is torn. The largest minority of traders (45.7%) consider clothing in a bale to be waste when it appears old.
- A significant percentage of traders (34.9%), consider clothing in a bale to be waste when it meets multiple criteria, including being torn, appearing old, and/ or stained. This suggests a comprehensive assessment of garment condition, with multiple factors contributing to their classification as waste.
- A significant portion of traders (62%) opt to offer discount sales as a strategy to move unsold inventory potentially in bulk. This approach aims to attract customers with reduced prices, stimulating demand and clearing out stagnant stock. A considerable percentage of traders, accounting for 28%, choose to donate unsold goods to charities.
THE ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE: The second-hand clothing (SHC) trade in Ghana serves as a cornerstone of the nation’s retail landscape.
- Ghana is a significant importer of used clothing, with imports totalling $164 million in 2022 and $214 million in 2021. This signifies a substantial reliance on SHC to meet domestic demand and consumer preferences.
- In 2022 and 2021 the major sources of Ghana’s used clothing imports were the United Kingdom, China, Canada, Poland, and the Netherlands. The dependence on a diverse set of countries for imports reflects the global nature of the SHC trade.
- The SHC trade contributes to the overall economic activity in Ghana by creating employment opportunities in the collection, sorting, and distribution processes as well as ancillary jobs. It provides affordable clothing options for consumers, especially in lower-income brackets, contributing to poverty alleviation and improved living standards.