Greenpeace Africa has revealed that discarded garments collected from beaches and markets in Ghana bear labels from prominent international fashion retailers. An audit of 201 garments retrieved from James Town Beach, Kantamanto Market, and Agbogbloshie area in Accra showed that many of the items originated from H&M, Primark, Marks & Spencer, and Next. This discovery has sparked concerns about the environmental and social implications of the global fast fashion industry.
The environmental campaign group presented its findings in Accra on Wednesday, 8 October 2026, highlighting the issue of textile waste in Ghana. According to Hellen Kahaso Dena, Greenpeace's Project Lead for Plastics and Fast Fashion, the problem lies in the overproduction of clothing by global fashion brands. She estimates that around 40 percent of clothing arriving in bales at Kantamanto Market is effectively waste, consisting of damaged, soiled, or low-quality garments.
Greenpeace Africa is advocating for a ban on the importation of "dead waste" textiles into Ghana. However, the organization is not opposed to the trade of second-hand clothing, which supports the livelihoods of many Ghanaians. Instead, they propose that the government establish quality standards for imported used clothing and support local textile and fashion workers. This approach aims to prevent fast-fashion brands from using the second-hand trade as a means to dump unsellable stock on Ghana.
The presence of labels from major international brands in waste collected from beaches and markets demonstrates the global nature of the problem. Sam Quashie-Idun, Greenpeace Africa's Head of Investigations, emphasized that the issue is not limited to Ghana but is a consequence of the fast fashion industry's practices worldwide. He also raised concerns about synthetic fibers shedding microplastics, citing Greenpeace's 2024 report, "Fast Fashion, Slow Poison."
The audit's findings suggest that the textile waste piling up in Accra is not simply a local disposal problem but one rooted in the production and export practices of global fashion brands. Greenpeace Africa argues that these brands must be held accountable for their role in the crisis. The organization is pushing for a more sustainable approach to fashion, one that prioritizes the environment and the well-being of local communities.
The issue of textile waste in Ghana has significant implications for the country's environment and economy. The importation of used clothing has become a major business in Ghana, with many people relying on it for their livelihoods. However, the influx of low-quality and unsellable garments is contributing to the country's waste management problems. Greenpeace Africa is calling on the government to take action to address the issue and ensure that the country's environment and economy are protected.
Greenpeace Africa's campaign against "waste colonialism" aims to raise awareness about the environmental and social impacts of the global fast fashion industry. The organization's efforts are focused on promoting sustainable fashion practices and holding brands accountable for their actions. By shedding light on the issue of textile waste in Ghana, Greenpeace Africa hopes to inspire change and promote a more responsible approach to fashion.
Key points
- Greenpeace Africa finds H&M, Primark, and other global fashion brands' waste on Ghanaian beaches and markets.
- The organization advocates for a ban on the importation of "dead waste" textiles into Ghana.
- Greenpeace Africa proposes that the government establish quality standards for imported used clothing and support local textile and fashion workers.
