STRONG institutions play a critical role in helping enterprises grow, creating quality jobs and promoting decent work. In Ghana, the International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work Programme, is strengthening organizations in the garment and shea sectors to better serve their members, influence policy and drive sector development.
By reinforcing these meso-level institutions, the programme is helping create a more enabling environment for enterprise growth, stronger labour relations and inclusive economic development. One example is the Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers (AGAM), which has received targeted technical assistance to strengthen its governance, institutional capacity and service delivery. The support has enhanced AGAM’s ability to coordinate sector activities, represent the interests of manufacturers and engage more effectively with government institutions and policymakers.
As a result, garment manufacturers now benefit from stronger advocacy on issues affecting competitiveness and business growth. AGAM has also intensified its campaign to improve local procurement practices and expand opportunities for Ghanaian manufacturers to secure government contracts for uniforms and other textile products. Greater access to such contracts can stimulate local production, support business expansion and create employment opportunities across the value chain.
The programme has also contributed to significant progress in Ghana’s shea sector by strengthening social dialogue and sector governance.
ILO support facilitated the establishment of the Ghana Shea Employers Association (GSEA) and the Ghana Shea Workers Union (GSWU), giving employers and workers formal structures through which they can collectively represent their interests and participate in sector development. The programme also supported the development of a shea pricing mechanism to improve transparency and strengthen dialogue across the value chain.
Today, both organizations actively represent their members and promote decent work. Their collaboration resulted in the signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement, providing a framework for improved labour relations, structured dialogue and fairer working conditions.
The organizations have also gained formal recognition from the Government of Ghana and now participate in the platform of the Tree Crops Development Authority, giving employers and workers a stronger voice in decisions that shape sector policies, market opportunities and working conditions.
These achievements demonstrate the value of the Productivity Ecosystems approach. By strengthening sector organizations and other meso-level actors, the programme is helping enterprises access better services, improve productivity and engage more effectively in policy dialogue, while enabling workers and employers to influence decisions that affect their livelihoods, businesses and the future of their sectors. (ILO News)
