Mahama commissions Northshore Apparel Hub, hails facility as model for 24-hour economy

President John Dramani Mahama has officially commissioned the Northshore Apparel Hub at Savelugu in the Northern Region, describing the garment manufacturing facility as a major example of the government’s 24-hour economy vision.

The President said the facility demonstrates how strategic investment in manufacturing can create jobs for young people, expand local production and accelerate Ghana’s exports.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Mahama said Northshore’s planned operation of multiple shifts would create additional employment opportunities while increasing the volume of garments produced for both local and international markets.

“This is an example of what our vision, the 24-hour economy initiative, is meant to do. Northshore is going to run several shifts, and it means that several more young people will get jobs to do,” he said.

According to the President, Northshore has already created at least 2,000 jobs, with the bulk of its products expected to be exported to generate foreign exchange for Ghana.

He said the company therefore fulfils two key objectives of the 24-hour economy—job creation and accelerated exports.

“It’s not only Northshore; there are several other factories that are coming up that are going to run multiple shifts and create businesses for our people. The 24-hour economy is designed to achieve the creation of jobs and accelerated exports,” President Mahama stated.

The President noted that Northshore is registered under the Free Zones programme, enabling the company to benefit from incentives designed to support export-oriented businesses.

He added that the current tax regime provides lower tax rates for manufacturers operating in rural areas and the northern parts of Ghana, while manufacturers are also eligible for duty and tax exemptions on plants and equipment.

President Mahama said such incentives are intended to encourage more businesses to establish factories outside the traditional industrial centres and contribute to balanced economic development.

He further highlighted the importance of Northshore’s location in the Northern Region, arguing that the North has significant comparative advantages that can attract industrial investment.

These, he said, include the availability of land, improved electricity supply, better road connectivity, access to air transport and the potential for renewable energy generation through solar power.

The President expressed optimism that the Northshore Apparel Hub would serve as an anchor for a larger industrial hub in the area and encourage other investors to establish businesses in Northern Ghana.

He said the development of such industries would also help reduce the migration of young people from the North to southern Ghana in search of employment.

President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting productive industries that create decent jobs, increase domestic production and generate foreign exchange.

He said the Northshore project represents the kind of private-sector investment the government wants to promote under its industrialisation and 24-hour economy agenda.