Distinguished KNUST alumnus Professor Ebenezer Kofi Howard has called on the Government of Ghana to position the country's textiles and apparel industry as a key driver of the proposed 24-Hour Economy, describing the sector as one of Ghana's greatest untapped opportunities for industrial transformation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
A product of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Howard's academic journey reflects a remarkable commitment to excellence in the arts and education. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Art (Textiles) in 2001, Master of Arts in Art Education in 2005, Master of Fine Arts in Textile Design in 2008, and PhD in Art Education in 2014, all from KNUST.
Delivering his inaugural lecture titled "Beyond Clothing the Nudity of Humanity: How Sustainable Textiles and Apparel Industry Can Rescue Ghana from Its Socio-Economic and Environmental Quagmire," Prof. Howard proposed a bold policy framework to establish textiles and apparel production hubs across all sixteen regions of Ghana. He argued that the industry's labour-intensive, shift-based nature makes it ideally suited to support the country's 24-Hour Economy agenda while creating thousands of jobs and strengthening local manufacturing.
"The textiles and apparel industry has been tried and tested by many leading economies and has consistently proven to be a catalyst for industrialisation, productivity, and employment," he noted.
Professor Howard expressed concern over Ghana's growing dependence on imported textiles and second-hand clothing, describing the trend as both an economic and environmental challenge. He urged government to implement deliberate policies that strengthen local cotton production, modernise textile manufacturing, promote innovation, and empower Ghanaian experts to lead the industry's revival.
Drawing on more than two decades of research, he highlighted the enormous potential of the global textiles and apparel industry, valued at over US$5 trillion and employing more than 300 million people worldwide. He pointed to countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, India, and Cambodia as examples of nations that have successfully transformed their economies through strategic investment in the sector.
Beyond policy recommendations, Prof. Howard emphasized that revitalising Ghana's textiles and apparel industry would preserve the nation's cultural heritage, reduce import dependence, promote environmental sustainability, and create meaningful employment opportunities for future generations.
The KNUST Alumni community proudly celebrates Professor Ebenezer Kofi Howard for his outstanding scholarship, visionary leadership, and continued commitment to advancing national development through research and innovation. His achievements exemplify the University's enduring mission of producing graduates whose knowledge and expertise create lasting impact in Ghana and across the world.