Circular Approach to Environmental Impact of Apparel Production in Ghana: A Narrative Review

Akosua Mawuse Amankwah; Edward  Appiah; Christiana Konamah  Okai-Mensah

doi:10.4314/just.v41i3.1354

Dr. (Mrs.) Akosua Mawuse Amankwah Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Prof. Edward Appiah
Mrs Christina Okai-Mensah Accra Technical University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/just.v41i3.1354

Keywords: Garment Industry, Garment Production, Environmental Impact, Sustainable Fashion, Circular Economy

Abstract

Integral aspect of the garment industry is production. In Ghana, the linear model of production largely persists. There have been environmental concerns for the industry’s overreliance on virgin raw materials globally. The associated waste encompasses pre-production, production and, post-production waste and requires attention in Ghana. Although garment production culture varies from that of advanced fashion economies, waste generation and its negative impacts are universal and call for sustainable practices worldwide. Adopting a narrative review approach, this paper examines the various stages in garment production in Ghana, focusing on negative environmental impacts. The review highlights the adaption of models in the Circular Economy (CE) approach as a means of reducing the overreliance on virgin raw materials, and the tendencies of CE curbingthe excessive waste associated with garment production when adopted. The economic benefitof adopting CE, enhancing the per capita environmental impact of cities especially in Ghana towealth are highlighted.

Author Biographies

Prof. Edward Appiah

Coming from Design background, Edward Appiah had his doctorate degree in Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town (South Africa), with a research in Technology in Education. He headed the Department of Communication Design, KNUST for four years; later as the Coordinator, Research and Postgraduate Studies in the department; Vice Dean, Faculty of Art, KNUST; currently the Africa Regional Coordinator for Design for Social Innovation and Sustainability (DESIS) – a network of design labs, based in design and design-oriented universities, involved in transforming education through design minds and design-oriented activities and also the Director-General, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; a member of the Ghana Education Service Council and Board Member, National Teacher Council.

Mrs Christina Okai-Mensah, Accra Technical University

Christiana Konamah Okai-Mensah (Mrs) is a Lecturer at the Fashion and Textile Department of Accra Technical University-Ghana, and teaches Textile Technology. Currently, pursuing PhD in Textiles Design Technology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), researching into: Sustainability Assessment of Design and Production Practices of Selected Textile Firms in Ghana. She holds MPhil in Art Education from KNUST (2013 – 2015). M A (Adult Education), University of Ghana, Legon (2011-2013) and BA Art (Textiles) – KNUST (1996 – 2000). She has attended a number conferences and authored papers.