Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association Rejects Textile Waste Report
The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA) has strongly refuted claims that 40% of imported used clothing in Ghana ends up as waste in landfills, burning sites, and beaches.
The Association criticized the report—widely circulated by the OR Foundation—as not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to sabotage Ghana’s thriving secondhand clothing industry.
To express their disapproval, members of the Association organized a sit-down strike, which was supported by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).
A Call for Accuracy
Speaking on the matter, Aikins Boakye Mensah, an executive member of GUCDA, dismissed the OR Foundation’s data as grossly exaggerated and detrimental to the perception of the used clothing trade in Ghana.
“They’ve published internationally that over 15 million garments enter Kantamanto weekly, with 40% ending up as waste. These figures are highly inflated and do not reflect the realities on the ground,” he stated.
The Circular Economy at Kantamanto
According to Mr. Mensah, the majority of imported used clothing undergoes sorting, reuse, and resale, fueling a circular economy that sustains more than 30,000 traders directly and over 100,000 other livelihoods. These include head porters (kayayei), tailors, truck pushers, transport operators, loaders, and food vendors who work around the bustling Kantamanto Market.
“The secondhand clothing trade is not a waste problem; it is a livelihood solution. It provides affordable clothing for millions of Ghanaians and supports thousands of families,” he explained.
An Attack on Dignity
Mr. Mensah decried the OR Foundation’s portrayal of the sector as a global environmental hazard, calling it an affront to the dignity of hardworking Ghanaians. He argued that such reports undermine the vibrancy and resilience of the informal economy.
“The OR Foundation does not speak for us. They misrepresent our lived experiences and our trade. Ghana is not a global dumping site. That narrative is false, harmful, and deeply disrespectful,” he emphasized.
A Call for Support
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Mensah called on government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and the media to independently verify the claims made by the OR Foundation. He urged them to engage with stakeholders in the trade and to support initiatives that protect the integrity and sustainability of the industry.
“We need informed conversations and strategic support to ensure this trade continues to thrive, creating jobs and meeting the needs of millions,” he said.
The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association remains resolute in defending the industry, which has become a lifeline for many and a critical component of Ghana’s informal economy.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
