North Shore Apparel Demonstrates Potential of 24-Hour Economy—John Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has described the North Shore Apparel GH Ltd factory as an example of how the government’s 24-hour economy initiative can create jobs, increase production and expand Ghana’s export potential.

The President made the remarks during the commissioning of the apparel manufacturing facility in the Savelugu area of the Northern Region.

According to him, the company’s decision to operate multiple shifts will create additional employment opportunities for young people while increasing production for export.

Factory targets more jobs and exports

President Mahama said North Shore Apparel had already created at least 2,000 jobs and was expected to employ more workers as it expands its operations.

He said the facility demonstrates the government’s vision for the 24-hour economy, which seeks to encourage businesses and factories to operate multiple shifts.

“North Shore is going to run several shifts, and it means that several more young people will get jobs to do,” the President said.

He added that several other factories were also expected to adopt multiple-shift operations, creating more jobs and increasing economic activity.

Government support for businesses

President Mahama said Ghana EXIM Bank was being refocused towards financing projects with significant economic and employment impact.

He also pointed to tax and duty incentives available to manufacturers operating in rural and northern parts of Ghana.

According to him, manufacturers in such areas can benefit from lower tax rates as well as exemptions on duties and taxes for plants and equipment.

Net metering planned

The President also announced plans for the introduction of a net metering system.

He explained that the system would allow companies with solar power plants to supply excess electricity to the national grid and receive credit for the power supplied.

He said this would help companies such as North Shore Apparel make better use of their renewable-energy investments while contributing to the national electricity supply.

Reducing youth migration

The Paramount Chief of Savelugu, Yona Yakubu Andani, welcomed the establishment of the facility, saying it would create employment opportunities for young people and help reduce migration to southern cities.

The chief said he had provided 50 acres of land for the project and described the facility as the result of collaboration between traditional authorities, the company and its partners.

He said the factory would equip young people with employment skills and opportunities, particularly those who might otherwise travel to Accra, Kumasi and other cities in search of jobs.

North Shore Apparel’s co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Nuruddin Muhammad, said he deliberately chose to establish the business outside Accra to create decent employment opportunities closer to where young people live.

The factory uses renewable energy and zero-waste production processes and is expected to contribute to local manufacturing, job creation and export growth.