By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Nov 14, GNA – Some residents in the Cape Coast Metropolis have responded to the announcement in the 2026 budget of a planned textile manufacturing factory to be sited in the Central Region, with a blend of guarded hope and lingering doubt.
Memories remain vivid of the previous administration’s unfulfilled promises to construct an airport and a harbour in Cape Coast, casting a shadow over newly unveiled government initiatives.
During the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presentation on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Mr Cassiel Ato Forson, Finance Minister unveiled a bold strategy aimed at transforming Ghana’s industrial landscape through the modernisation of textiles and garment manufacturing.
Central to this vision, he said, was the establishment of three garment factories across key regions including Bono East, Central, and Eastern, as part of the government’s “24-Hour Economy” programme.
These factories are projected to generate around 20,000 direct jobs, invigorate local economies and foster partnerships between the government and private sector players.
The initiative aims to reduce dependency on textile imports by boosting domestic production and creating sustainable livelihoods.
However, public reactions in separate interviews with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Cape Coast markets, and community discussions monitored on Friday, immediately following the budget statement, revealed a mix of optimism tempered by scepticism.
While some anticipate this could mark a shift towards the much-needed infrastructure and industrial development, others suspected that the promises might be more about political appeasement than deliverable projects.
One textile dealer at Kotokuraba market, Mrs Cynthia Andam embraced the initiative enthusiastically, stating, “This factory is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a beacon of hope for local businesses.
“It promises not only to create jobs but to break our chains of dependence on costly imported fabrics. Cheaper, locally made cloth could revolutionize the market for dealers and consumers alike.”
Conversely, Madam Naomi Jackson Donald, another textile vendor, voiced a cautiously critical view,saying, “On paper, the plan sounds promising, but I worry about whether this factory can hold its own against the flood of imported textiles.
“The market’s tastes are shifting, and without robust support and large-scale production, it might struggle to survive in an already turbulent industry. What we truly need are more factories across the region to truly solve the high unemployment rates here,” she said.
Adding a nuanced perspective, Madam Elizabeth Ampah, a textile dealer said, “This project holds the potential to breathe new life into the textile sector and stimulate our local economy.
“However, its success hinges on strong emphasis on training and quality standards, ensuring our products can compete not just locally, but on global markets too.”
From the GNA’s interaction with several other residents, it was clear that as the government moves forward with its ambitious textile factory plan, Cape Coast stakeholders remain vigilant.
The ancient city is collectively watching to see if this initiative would break the cycle of unfulfilled promises and bring genuine transformation to the region’s trade and industrial future.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Lydia Kukua Asamoah