Africa Should not Bear the Economic Cost of Poor Imports

By Esther Korantemaa Offei

Presidential Adviser Joyce Bawah Mogtari has called for stronger global standards and fairer trade practices in the second-hand clothing industry, warning that African countries should not continue to bear the environmental and economic costs of poor-quality imports.

Speaking at the Landfills2Landmarks Summit 2026 in Accra, Mrs. Bawah Mogtari acknowledged the important role the second-hand clothing trade plays in Ghana’s economy, particularly in supporting livelihoods, businesses, and access to affordable clothing.

“Ghana supports legitimate trade. For many families, we depend on this economy. Many businesses have grown through it. Many people are clothed through it. That reality should never be treated casually,” she stated.

She, however, stressed that legitimate trade must not become a channel for weak quality control and irresponsible disposal practices.

“At the same time, legitimate trade cannot become a cover for weak grading, poor quality control, and managed residues or silent cost transfer,” she added.

Mrs. Bawah Mogtari noted that Ghana welcomes honest and sustainable investment that protects livelihoods and strengthens national systems, but warned against a system where profits are made elsewhere while local communities are left to deal with waste and environmental damage.

“What should no longer be accepted is a model where value moves across borders, and the cost of failure is left for traders, assemblies, communities, and future generations,” she said.

She further explained that reforms introduced by exporting countries, including stricter rules on sorting, producer responsibility, product design, and unsold stock management, would only succeed if receiving countries are actively involved in shaping standards and enforcement systems.

According to her, the true impact of global trade policies is ultimately felt in receiving cities such as Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, Cotonou, and Abidjan, where product quality, documentation, and accountability are tested.

Mrs. Bawah Mogtari also criticised the narrow global narrative around second-hand clothing waste, arguing that public attention often focuses on visible waste in markets and drains while ignoring weak enforcement systems and underfunded recovery infrastructure.

She called for stronger collaboration between governments, traders, regulators, and international partners to promote responsible trade practices and sustainable waste management systems.