What in the World Dead white people’s clothes: How Ghana is dealing with its textile waste crisis
Aug 25, 2025
Joseph Shaw Ayesu, an ecological research manager at The Or Foundation, discusses Ghana's struggle as the world's largest importer of second-hand clothing. He reveals that 15 million garments arrive weekly, with a staggering 40% deemed unsellable, leading to environmental degradation. The conversation highlights community-driven efforts, including beach clean-ups and upcycling initiatives in Kantamanto Market. Joseph emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in the fashion industry and the importance of local production to combat the waste crisis.
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Scale Of The Secondhand Clothing Problem
- Ghana is the world's largest importer of used clothing and receives over 15 million garments weekly.
- Around 40% of those garments are too damaged to resell and become local waste.
Weekly Beach Cleanups In Accra
- Volunteers raked Accra's Usherfort Beach and filled piles of discarded clothing and fabric each week.
- The Or Foundation weighs, transports and stores the collected waste while seeking decomposition solutions.
How Textile Waste Reaches The Ocean
- Clothing washed from local lagoons and drainage systems accumulates on beaches in tangled 'tentacles'.
- This textile pollution damages fishing gear and deters sea turtles from nesting.