By: Kenneth Appiah Bani.
Ghana’s secondhand clothing markets, particularly Kantamanto Market in Accra, are flooded with discarded garments from Western countries. While these imports have long been a source of affordable clothing for many Ghanaians, they also contribute to an overwhelming amount of textile waste. In response, local designers and sustainability advocates are stepping up, turning waste into innovative fashion and pushing for a more sustainable industry.
Every week, Ghana imports millions of used clothing items, commonly known as Obroni Wawu (meaning “dead white man’s clothes”). While some pieces find new owners, an estimated 40% of these clothes are unsellable and end up as waste in landfills, drains, or burned in open spaces, causing significant environmental harm.
The rapid influx of low-quality, mass produced garments from fast fashion brands has weakened Ghana’s local textile industry, once a thriving sector known for its handcrafted designs and vibrant prints. Today, many traditional weavers and tailors struggle to compete with the cheap secondhand clothing dominating the market.
Amid this crisis, Ghanaian designers are reclaiming the narrative by transforming textile waste into new, fashionable pieces. Initiatives like the Obroni Wawu October Festival showcase collections made from upcycled fabrics, proving that discarded clothing can be repurposed into high-quality, wearable art.
One of the pioneers in this space is The Or Foundation, an organization that works with young designers to reimagine secondhand clothing through upcycling and re-design. Their efforts not only reduce waste but also empower local creatives with skills to build sustainable businesses.
“We don’t see these discarded clothes as waste,” says designer Afua Bempah, who specializes in turning old jeans into stylish bags and jackets. “We see them as raw materials for something new.”
While individual designers are making strides, tackling Ghana’s textile waste crisis requires systemic change. Sustainability advocates are calling for:
Stronger regulations on secondhand clothing imports to prevent Ghana from becoming a dumping ground for textile waste.
Investment in local textile industries to revive traditional Ghanaian craftsmanship and provide alternative employment.
Waste management solutions that address the growing piles of unsold, unusable clothing.
Some designers are also urging consumers to embrace slow fashion choosing quality over quantity, supporting local artisans, and rethinking the way clothes are consumed.
Ghana’s response to fast fashion waste is inspiring a global conversation on sustainability and ethical fashion. By combining innovation with tradition, Ghanaian designers are proving that sustainability can be stylish. With continued efforts, their work could pave the way for a fashion revolution in Africa one that values creativity, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
In conclusion fast fashion waste remains a pressing issue, but Ghanaian designers are demonstrating that fashion can be both beautiful and sustainable. Through upcycling, advocacy, and innovation, they are not only reducing textile waste but also revitalizing Ghana’s fashion industry. As awareness grows, their efforts could help shift the global fashion industry towards a more responsible future.
