The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association has published a report indicating that less than 5% of secondhand clothing imported into the country qualifies as waste.
This inaugural study on the nation's secondhand clothing market reveals its robustness and sustainability, contributing to the global circular economy, according to a news release dated May 13.
Atobrah Bikley Edward, General Secretary of the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association, emphasized the significance of this trade in a May 13 news release announcing the report. He said, "This report shows that the trade is low waste and an essential part of the global circular economy, providing a solution to the challenges of climate change and waste the world faces, as well as the overconsumption of fast fashion that is wreaking damage on a global scale. It is also pivotal to Ghana's economy and way of life, providing affordable clothing to millions while supporting livelihoods across the nation and contributing significantly to Ghana's government tax revenues. Policy makers should be extremely cautious before they further regulate an already well run and regulated global trade based upon bad data and misleading figures."
The secondhand clothes (SHC) trade in Ghana plays an integral role in both the country's culture and economy. Over time, it has developed into a sector that supports numerous Ghanian livelihoods by offering affordable clothing options and fostering entrepreneurship. The report underscores this industry as a "noteworthy example of the circular economy in action." It examines the multifaceted nature of this industry, its economic contributions, and socio-environmental implications. Furthermore, it connects the growth of SHC with global markets opening in the 1980s and 1990s.
Edward further commented on inaccurate portrayals circulating about this trade in some media outlets during his May 13 news release statement. He said, "The continued use of inaccurate information circulating in some parts of the media about the second hand clothes trade must stop. Those who've spent years using and repeating false and inaccurate figures about waste in the trade should apologise now for the damage they have done and the harm they have caused."