ILO Powers Productivity in Ghana's Garment and Shea Sectors

Accra - Strong institutions play a critical role in helping enterprises grow, creating quality jobs and promoting decent work. In Ghana, the International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work Programme, is strengthening organizations in the garment and shea sectors to better serve their members, influence policy and drive sector development.

By reinforcing these meso-level institutions, the programme is helping create a more enabling environment for enterprise growth, stronger labour relations and inclusive economic development. One example is the Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers (AGAM), which has received targeted technical assistance to strengthen its governance, institutional capacity and service delivery. The support has enhanced AGAM's ability to coordinate sector activities, represent the interests of manufacturers and engage more effectively with government institutions and policymakers.

Workers in a garment factory in Accra produce apparel, highlighting the role of Ghana's manufacturing sector in creating decent jobs and supporting inclusive economic growth under the Decent Work Country Programme III (2026-2030)

As a result, garment manufacturers now benefit from stronger advocacy on issues affecting competitiveness and business growth. AGAM has also intensified its campaign to improve local procurement practices and expand opportunities for Ghanaian manufacturers to secure government contracts for uniforms and other textile products. Greater access to such contracts can stimulate local production, support business expansion and create employment opportunities across the value chain.

The support from the ILO has strengthened AGAM's ability to represent the interests of garment manufacturers, engage policymakers and provide services that respond to the needs of our members. We are now better positioned to support the growth and competitiveness of Ghana's garment sector.

Ms. Audrey Nana Pocquah Adiabah, National Project Coordinator of AGAM

The programme has also contributed to significant progress in Ghana's shea sector by strengthening social dialogue and sector governance.

Ms Audrey Adiabah, National Coordinator of the Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers (AGAM), addresses participants during a national dialogue on local procurement in the apparel, garment, and textile sector

ILO support facilitated the establishment of the Ghana Shea Employers Association (GSEA) and the Ghana Shea Workers Union (GSWU), giving employers and workers formal structures through which they can collectively represent their interests and participate in sector development. The programme also supported the development of a shea pricing mechanism to improve transparency and strengthen dialogue across the value chain.

Today, both organizations actively represent their members and promote decent work. Their collaboration resulted in the signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement, providing a framework for improved labour relations, structured dialogue and fairer working conditions.

The organizations have also gained formal recognition from the Government of Ghana and now participate in the platform of the Tree Crops Development Authority, giving employers and workers a stronger voice in decisions that shape sector policies, market opportunities and working conditions.

Women shea processors spread and dry shea nuts, supporting local value chains and livelihoods in Ghana's informal economy-an area targeted for improved productivity and social protection through DWCP III

These achievements demonstrate the value of the Productivity Ecosystems approach. By strengthening sector organizations and other meso-level actors, the programme is helping enterprises access better services, improve productivity and engage more effectively in policy dialogue, while enabling workers and employers to influence decisions that affect their livelihoods, businesses and the future of their sectors.

Funded by SECO and Norad, the Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work Programme promotes sustainable enterprise development, quality job creation and inclusive economic growth through coordinated action at the macro, meso and micro levels.