On 28 August, a new production facility belonging to Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited was officially opened in Savelugu, in northern Ghana. Among those present were the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and the Minister for Trade, Agriculture and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare.

Originally, 1,600 fair and sustainable jobs were planned at this second site in the economically disadvantaged north of the country; the figure has now already risen to over 2,000. In future, the aim is to create over 10,000 jobs, alongside a strong focus on inclusion, with many people with disabilities – particularly deaf people – being employed. In northern Ghana, unemployment is above the national average: 30 per cent of young people aged between 15 and 24 are neither in employment nor in education or training. The German Ambassador, Frederik Landshöft, commented on the newly created jobs: ‘Behind each of these jobs is a person – a young man or woman, a mother – with an income, with dignity and with a future.’

Through their employment, staff gain access to the statutory social security benefits in Ghana, including pension and health insurance; wages are above the statutory minimum wage. In addition to the jobs created directly, the project is expected to bring further economic benefits to local service providers and suppliers in sectors such as textile printing, catering, transport, maintenance and site security. Production is primarily for export – mainly to South Africa and the USA – particularly sportswear, workwear and children’s clothing, as well as underwear and promotional items. President Mahama has announced that all uniforms – for the police, military and similar organisations – are to be produced here by Northshore in future.

Northshore Apparel on itself: We are a sustainable clothing manufacturer based in Ghana that combines innovation, ethical standards and environmentally friendly practices. We use renewable energy, design our processes to be waste-free and ensure fair working conditions. In this way, we produce high-quality garments for brands with high standards, whilst at the same time benefiting local people. We are committed to transparency and responsible practices, and we create fashion that respects both people and the environment.

KfW Development Bank, in cooperation with the Development Bank of Ghana and Absa Bank, is providing financing in the form of subsidised loans. The aim is to encourage further investors to participate and to strengthen the overall investment structure. This approach has already proved successful in many cases. The German Otto Group has expressed an interest in investing.

President Mahama said in his speech: “A partnership such as the one we have with KfW, and investments such as those made by KfW – that is what we are looking for; that is the future.”

The ‘Investing for Employment’ (IFE) facility, initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and established by KfW Development Bank, promotes job creation in Africa through ideas competitions, using competitive grants. It co-finances private or public projects in eight African countries – including in the structurally disadvantaged north of Ghana. Nine strategic investment projects in Ghana are currently being supported, with a total investment volume of around 62 million euros, of which 24 million euros are provided as grants.

Northshore Apparel Ghana