Report By: Business Desk
Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUDCA) is stepping up to reshape the future of fashion sustainability with its confirmation of participation in Landfills2Landmarks 2025, scheduled for 22nd – 23rd May 2025.
This event scheduled to be held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra, will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to address pressing issues in textile waste management, circular economy practices, and economic transformation within the second-hand clothing sector.
In a meeting with event co-founders, Henry Treku and Samuel Ofori-Gyampoh, GUDCA reaffirmed its commitment to Landfills2Landmarks 2025 and the goal of 100% textile waste diversion by 2050.
Ghana’s Used Clothing Industry Calls for Change at Landfills2Landmarks
However, key concerns emerged—data transparency, inaccurate international media publicity of the trade, fast fashion’s impact, and the urgent need to revamp the Kantamanto second-hand clothing market.
A significant issue discussed was the discrepancy in reported textile waste figures.
GUDCA challenged claims that 40% of second-hand clothing is waste, asserting that the real figure does not exceed 5% – a debate that underscores the urgent need for transparency in the industry to inform effective policies, sustainable trade models, and industry-wide accountability.
The Association called out fast fashion brands for shaping sustainability narratives while fueling the crisis.
While advocacy has spotlighted textile waste, GUDCA questioned the credibility of brands presenting themselves as part of the solution without tackling overproduction.
From Left to right: Marlvon Owusu (GUDCA Executive member)Henry Treku (Co-Founder, Landfill 2 Landmark) Boakye Yiadom (Chairman of GUDCA)
A key point of discussion was the $15 million grant awarded by Shein to The OR Foundation (The Guardian).
While such funding is aimed at mitigating waste, the association expressed concern that financial contributions alone do not address the fundamental issue of overproduction and decline in the quality of garments since the era of fast fashion began.
GUDCA also called for greater transparency in global sustainability efforts, urging solutions based on real impact, not optics. Stronger policies are needed to regulate imports, safeguard Ghana’s second-hand clothing sector, and hold brands accountable for their environmental footprint across the supply chain.
The meeting stressed the need to redesign Ghana’s second-hand clothing market to support the event’s 100% textile waste diversion goal.
Ghana’s Used Clothing Industry Calls for Change at Landfills2Landmarks
Modernizing key market spaces would improve waste management, create jobs, and reduce risks like fire outbreaks.
In alignment with global sustainability trends, GUDCA reiterated the need for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies.
These policies would further enhance the reuse of garments and go a step further to promote sustainable recycling.
The association urged policymakers, brands, and industry leaders to implement EPR without harming livelihoods.
Co-founder Henry Treku emphasized the need to address imbalances in the global second-hand clothing trade, calling for greater transparency and equity in how textile waste is managed.
He highlighted how Landfills2Landmarks 2025 serves as a platform to bridge the gap between policy, industry, and sustainability, ensuring that both international and local brands integrate sustainability as a core business strategy.
Ghana’s Used Clothing Industry Calls for Change at Landfills2Landmarks
He averred that achieving the 100% textile waste diversion goal by 2050 requires brands, both global and domestic, to embrace responsible production, invest in waste reduction strategies, and actively participate in circular economy initiatives.
Samuel Ofori-Gyampoh introduced the CremeXchange Textile Traceability App and marketplace, set to launch at the event, to improve data accuracy, track textile flows,, and create a more transparent second-hand clothing trade.
He announced training programs to help industry players use digital tools for circular commerce, waste tracking, and responsible supply chain management.
Landfills2Landmarks 2025 will bring together international experts, policymakers, and businesses seeking sustainable solutions, while also drawing significant media attention to the issues confronting Ghana’s textile economy.
With the Ghana Used Clothing Association actively engaged, the event will serve as a strategic platform for addressing policy gaps, driving investment in market transformation, and ensuring that Ghana’s second-hand clothing sector evolves into a model for circular innovation in Africa.
For media inquiries, partnerships, or participation details, contact – Tracy. Follow updates on https://landfills2landmarks.com/
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
