The Impact of the Use of Second-Hand Clothing on the Garment and Textile Industries in Ghana: A Case Study of the Ho Municipality

Abstract

The influx of second hand clothing onto the Ghanaian fashion market has hit the peak. About 90% of clothes used in Ghana are of second hand origin. This development invariably has negative effect on the Garment and Textile Industries in Ghana to the extent that some of the industries are gradually folding up due to low patronage of their products. This study was conducted to investigate and verify the extent of damage the patronage of second hand clothing has caused and continues to cause the Garment and Textile Industries in Ghana and the solutions thereof. The descriptive (qualitative) research approach was employed to describe the various stages of the study. The following research instruments were used to collect data for the study: questionnaire, observation and interview. The Target Population for the study was (250) made up of (200) second hand clothing dealers and (50) users from the general public. The Random Sampling technique was used to arrive at a Sample size of (75) which represents 30% of the Target Population. This was made up of (50) second hand clothing dealers and (25) users from the general public. The main findings of the study were that most Ghanaians patronize second hand clothing because of its low price, the use of second hand clothing has health implications to the wearer and the over-dependence on second hand clothing negatively affects the revenue of Garment and Textile Industries in Ghana. It is therefore recommended that adequate steps be taken by the government to ban the importation of those second hand clothing which are likely to have health implications to the wearer. Examples of such category of clothing include: under wears, under pants and brassiers. Additionally, made-in-Ghana clothing and Textiles must be re-branded and priced moderately to attract potential buyers. The government of Ghana should pump more money into the Garment and Textiles Industries to resuscitate them from collapse.

Keywords: Second hand, Garment, Textiles, Clothing and Health implications.