Hope is returning to Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL) as workers appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and government authorities to expedite negotiations with a Hong Kong-based Chinese investor seeking to take over management of the struggling company.
According to workers, the investor, who first expressed interest during visits to ATL between 2019 and 2020, has presented a detailed plan to rejuvenate the textile manufacturer and restore it to its former glory.
For decades, ATL was a household name in Ghana’s textile industry, producing the iconic ABC Wax fabric, which gained international recognition across Africa, America, and Europe. Despite a Ghc17 reinvestment by the Ghana government into the company, nothing or little progress has been achieved.
Workers lament that under current management, production of this flagship product has ceased, giving competitors an advantage both locally and abroad. “The demand for ABC Wax is still strong, yet production has been sidelined. This has significantly weakened ATL’s influence in the market,” one worker said.
Internal reports indicate that ATL’s revival could significantly cut unemployment across the Asuogyaman, Yilo Krobo, Manya Krobo, and North Tongu districts. At full production capacity, the company is expected to create over 2,000 additional jobs, directly impacting livelihoods and revitalizing local economies.
Workers recall how ATL once served as a pillar of support through job creation, corporate social responsibility, and economic empowerment, benefits they believe could be restored under new leadership.
The workforce is also pointing to untapped opportunities in the domestic market. They believe ATL, if revitalized, could supply fabrics for government initiatives such as the Friday Wear policy, uniforms for the Free Senior High School program, as well as prints for funerals, national events, and other ceremonial activities. “ATL has the capacity to meet these needs locally and reduce Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported textiles,” another worker emphasized.
Improved Staff Welfare on the Horizon
The proposed Hong Kong investor has also outlined plans to prioritize staff welfare. These include timely salary payments, SSNIT contributions, tier-one pension obligations, leave allowances, long-service awards, and annual bonuses. This is welcome news for employees, many of whom have endured salary delays for the past five months.
“It has been a very difficult period for us and our families. We are hopeful that the investor’s intervention will restore dignity to the workforce,” the workers appealed.
As Ghana battles rising youth unemployment and the urgent need to strengthen local industries, the potential revival of ATL is being seen as a strategic step towards industrialization, job creation, and the promotion of made-in-Ghana products.
Workers are therefore urging government to fast-track discussions and grant the investor approval, to secure ATL’s future and restore its contribution to the national economy.
By Philip Azu
