Ghana launches pilot project to revive domestic cotton production

Ghana has launched the Northern Cotton Revival Initiative, a pilot project aimed at revitalizing large-scale commercial cotton farming in the country’s Northern Region. The initiative began with a test plot of more than 20 hectares in the Savelugu Municipality, where cotton plants have recently reached the flowering stage.

Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare stated that the goal is to establish a cotton-producing belt across several districts to create a reliable domestic supply of raw materials for textile and garment manufacturers. By strengthening the link between agriculture and manufacturing, the government aims to reduce production costs, lower the national import bill, and increase the competitiveness of the local textile sector.

The project involves several partners, including Benti Energies, Recell Ghana Ltd., and SELOC. Success depends on scaling production beyond the current pilot phase to address the shortage of locally produced cotton, which has previously forced industries to look toward countries like Benin for fiber supplies.