President Mahama to Commission Northshore Apparel Hub as Ghana Accelerates Industrialisation and Export Strategy

6th August•3 min read•6 sources

President John Dramani Mahama is set to officially commission the Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu on August 28, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s industrial growth strategy. The facility, a wholly Ghanaian-owned enterprise developed by Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited and funded by Ghana EXIM Bank, is expected to create 3,000 jobs in its initial phase and up to 10,000 once fully operational. Sylvester Adinam Mensah, CEO of Ghana EXIM Bank, noted that the hub is central to the bank’s five-year strategic plan to transform the economy through garment manufacturing and local investment. This industrial push in Northern Ghana is designed to enhance local production capabilities and stimulate regional economic activity, positioning the country as a competitive player on the global stage.

Complementing this domestic industrialisation, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has expanded its international footprint with the opening of the Ghana Trade House in London. This new hub serves as a bridge for Ghanaian producers of processed foods, textiles, and light manufacturing products to reach UK consumers and institutional investors. To further solidify Ghana’s trade agenda, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has appointed GCB Bank to lead the planning for major international exhibitions, including the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2026. GCB Bank will chair the Budget and Fundraising Committee, leveraging its expertise to facilitate global business links and promote Made-in-Ghana products.

Despite these advancements in the garment and trade promotion sectors, significant challenges remain in the agricultural processing industry, particularly regarding cashews. Current data reveals that Ghana processes less than 6% of its annual cashew output, with only 15,000 metric tonnes processed domestically out of 262,000 tonnes produced in 2025. This heavy reliance on raw exports has left farmers vulnerable to extreme price volatility, with farm-gate prices recently plunging from GH¢20 to GH¢7 per kilogramme. The Association of Cashew Processors Ghana (ACPG) has called for urgent government intervention to establish a competitive agro-processing sector that can retain economic value within the country.

Furthermore, a recent Afrobarometer report highlights a critical gap in public engagement regarding regional trade integration. While 62% of Africans support free trade and 66% desire expanded global trade relationships, awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remains remarkably low at just 13% across the continent and 17% in Ghana. As the government continues to launch ambitious projects like the Northshore Hub and international trade houses, analysts suggest that comprehensive public education campaigns will be necessary to ensure that the broader population and local businesses can fully capitalise on the benefits of increased intra-African and global trade.

This story touches markets covered on Anansi Intelligence ↗.

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President Mahama to Commission Northshore Apparel Hub as Ghana Accelerates Industrialisation and Export Strategy

More from business

Ghana Market Update: Cedi Strengthens Ahead of CanCham Summit as Bezos Consortium Secures Major Stake in Liverpool

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Ghana Government Secures 30% Gold Purchase Agreement with Chamber of Mines to Bolster National Reserves