Accra Launches Fabric Recycling Initiative to Champion Sustainability and Creativity.
A vibrant new initiative promoting circular fashion and environmental responsibility has taken off in Accra, aimed at transforming Ghana’s mounting textile waste into community-driven economic and creative opportunity.
A vibrant new initiative promoting circular fashion and environmental responsibility has taken off in Accra, aimed at transforming Ghana’s mounting textile waste into community-driven economic and creative opportunity.
Launched by the Reclaim Textile Network, the project—under the banner “Reclaim, Revive, Reimagine”—seeks to collect and repurpose discarded fabrics into useful products like tote bags, fashion accessories, and home décor. Beyond waste reduction, the initiative empowers artisans, trains students in upcycling, and fosters innovation in sustainable design.
At the launch event, Dr. Christiana Konamah Okai-Mensah, an educator and sustainable fashion advocate, underscored the urgency of addressing Ghana’s textile waste, noting its role in drain blockages, air pollution, and poor sanitation in informal settlements. “This isn’t just about fabric—it’s about dignity, innovation, and the future of our communities,” she said.
The event also showcased recycled textile designs from young creatives, proving that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Industry veteran Beatrice “Bee” Arthur praised the program, calling it “a visionary blend of artistry, ecology, and economic uplift.”
The initiative offers training to students and tailors in sustainable design practices, combining environmental education with practical skills. By channeling discarded materials into entrepreneurial pathways, the project aligns with Ghana’s broader transition toward a circular economy—reducing waste, promoting local manufacturing, and inspiring eco-conscious creativity.
Reclaim Textile Network hopes to scale the project nationally, advocating policies that incentivize green innovation in Ghana’s fashion and waste management sectors.