The Swiss Embassy in Ghana, in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy and the International Labor Organization, has supported young photographers in documenting the stories of women in Ghana’s Shea and textile communities, showcased in a recent exhibition under the Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work (PE4DW)
Swiss Ambassador Simone Giger and Norwegian Ambassador John Mikel Kvistad praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of using young people to tell the impactful stories of women who drive the Shea and textile industries, sectors that require significant support due to declining productivity and reduced appeal to the workforce.
Last week, during a similar exhibition held at Ambassador Giger’s residence, she commended the pivotal role women have played in sustaining these sectors, contributing to economic growth and preserving industries that might otherwise face collapse.
The photographers captured narratives shaped by the hard work of women in both the northern and southern regions of Ghana over the past decades. These stories reflect Ghana’s cultural and economic heritage and stand as a testament to the resilience of women in the informal sector, which continues to anchor the nation’s economy.
Dikan is a non‑profit cultural and educational institution based in Accra, Ghana dedicated to visual education, storytelling, heritage preservation, and creative leadership. It was founded in 2022 by photographer and filmmaker Paul Ninson to empower young Africans through visual media and to ensure that African stories are told by Africans themselves
The PE4DW initiative, launched in 2022 and piloted in Ghana, South Africa, and Vietnam, aims to address low productivity and employment challenges in the manufacturing sector.
The programme adopts an ecosystems approach to boost productivity, improve working conditions, and promote the use of locally available inputs, an important step as Ghana works to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on raw commodity exports.
With the government prioritizing the revival of the Shea and textile industries, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Agribusiness highlighted progress on the Draft Ghana Textiles and Garments Manufacturing Policy. The policy seeks to position Ghana as a regional hub for ethical and sustainable production, targeting US$1.2 billion in investment and the cultivation of 15,000 hectares of cotton by 2033.
Prospects for the Shea industry are also improving. Under the 24-hour economy initiative, the government aims to generate US$640 million annually from the sector. In 2024, the Shea industry recorded a remarkable increase in export revenue, rising from US$42.3 million to US$82.1 million, making it Ghana’s second-largest agricultural export after cocoa.
Together, these initiatives signal Ghana’s commitment to strengthening local industries, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable growth in key sectors that are vital to the country’s economic future.
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