1 | INTRODUCTION

The global garment industry has become one of the most dynamic and competitive sectors of the world economy, accounting for a significant share of international trade, employment, and industrial development (Hasan & Das, 2024; Repp et al., 2021; Hasan et al., 2016). Hossain et al. (2025) and Machek et al. (2020) infer that as globalisation shapes production and consumption patterns, garment producers are increasingly expected to conform to internationally recognised standards, encompassing ethical labour practices, environmental sustainability, safety, and quality assurance. These global best practices, articulated in frameworks such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and various ISO certifications, serve as benchmarks for responsible manufacturing.

In this context, countries with emerging apparel industries, such as Ghana, face mounting pressure to align their production systems with these global norms to enhance competitiveness and meet the expectations of both domestic and international markets (Nkrumah et al., 2024). Ghana’s garment sector, though still developing, holds considerable promise (Sarpong et al., 2024) due to its strategic location, relatively low labour costs, and growing pool of skilled and semi-skilled labour. Government initiatives such as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ghana Trade and Investment Gateway Program (GHATIG), and participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have all aimed at positioning the country as a preferred sourcing destination for textiles and garments.

Furthermore, the influx of international donor support and private investment has facilitated the expansion of garment manufacturing clusters, particularly in Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi. Yet, as Ghanaian garment producers seek to penetrate more sophisticated global markets, their ability to demonstrate compliance with global best practices becomes a vital determinant of long-term success, investment attraction, and market access (Bosso et al., 2023; Amoako, 2019). Notwithstanding these encouraging developments, a significant gap remains between policy ambitions and the operational realities within Ghana’s garment industry. Oduro (2020) inferred that many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face constraints in adopting best practices due to limited access to capital, inadequate training, fragmented supply chains, and poor institutional support. Studies by Boateng et al. (2024), Anyigba et al. (2024), and Nkrumah et al. (2023) have highlighted issues such as substandard working conditions, inconsistent product quality, and limited awareness of environmental regulations. In some cases, garment producers struggle to meet the compliance requirements of foreign buyers, resulting in lost contracts or exclusion from international trade networks. These challenges raise fundamental questions regarding the preparedness of Ghana’s garment sector to align with global standards and contribute meaningfully to sustainable industrialisation.

Thus, the core objective of this study is to examine the extent to which garment producers in Ghana comply with global best practices in areas such as labour rights, environmental sustainability, product quality, and workplace safety. It seeks to identify key enablers and barriers to compliance while mapping the institutional landscape that influences business practices. Specifically, the study explores how internal business strategies, external regulatory mechanisms, and market dynamics shape the behaviour and decision-making of garment producers. This inquiry is particularly timely in light of the increasing international scrutiny of garment supply chains and growing consumer demand for ethically produced clothing. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, revealed the vulnerabilities (Glover et al., 2024; Uddin et al., 2023; Castañeda‐Navarrete et al., 2021) in global apparel supply chains and amplified calls for stronger compliance with ethical standards. Besides, the emergence of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria as a critical lens for evaluating business operations has intensified the urgency for garment producers to improve transparency, accountability, and sustainability. Ghana’s participation in trade partnerships and regional agreements also places new obligations on its producers to harmonise their practices with regional and global expectations.

The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform policy reforms, enhance institutional support mechanisms, and inspire business transformation in the Ghanaian garment sector. It provides empirical evidence that can guide capacity-building programs, investment strategies, and monitoring frameworks to improve compliance outcomes. For policymakers, the study offers actionable insights for crafting more targeted interventions and incentives to support industry upgrading. For garment producers, it identifies practical pathways toward achieving compliance, reducing risks, and improving operational efficiency. For international stakeholders, the study demonstrates Ghana’s readiness or lack thereof to integrate into ethical and sustainable garment value chains.

The findings relate to other emerging economies with similar industrial ambitions and development trajectories. Thus, the study supports national policy objectives and enriches academic and policy debates on global value chain integration, sustainable manufacturing, and development economics. Ultimately, achieving compliance with global best practices is not merely a regulatory or market requirement, as it is a pathway to inclusive growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship. As Ghana navigates the complex terrain of industrial upgrading and global trade integration, the garment sector offers a critical test case for how local industries can evolve in response to global standards.

1.1 |  Global Best Practices in the Garment Industry

Global best practices in the garment industry encompass a wide array of standards and principles designed to ensure sustainability, ethical labour practices, quality control, environmental stewardship, and responsible sourcing (Hossain et al., 2025: Macchion, 2024; Chowdhury et al., 2022). Canton (2021) pointed out that best practices include adherence to core labour standards such as the elimination of forced and child labour, freedom of association, and non-discrimination in employment. In addition, organisations such as the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and the Fair Wear Foundation have established codes of conduct and auditing frameworks to guide garment manufacturers in aligning with internationally accepted practices (Ünlütürk & Öngel, 2023).

From an environmental standpoint, best practices include minimising carbon emissions, reducing water usage, adopting circular fashion models, and ensuring responsible chemical management, as outlined by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Index. Brands and producers committed to sustainability adopt life cycle assessments (LCAs) to inform decision-making and product development (Papasolomou et al., 2023; Niinimäki et al., 2020). Furthermore, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action), serve as frameworks guiding global compliance within the fashion and textile sectors (United Nations, 2015).

1.2 |  Compliance Trends in Developing Economies

Compliance with global best practices has gained traction in developing economies as international buyers increasingly demand greater transparency and accountability in their supply chains. However, studies show that compliance is often uneven, influenced by factors such as regulatory capacity, economic constraints, cultural attitudes, and market pressures (Locke, 2013; Amengual, 2010). In countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, government policy, buyer pressure, and civil society advocacy have driven substantial workplace safety and labour standards reforms, especially following high-profile industrial disasters.

Nonetheless, while some developing countries have made strides in compliance, challenges such as limited infrastructure, weak labour inspection systems, and informality in employment persist. According to Gereffi (2019) and Gereffi and Frederick (2010), garment-producing countries often face a compliance-cost trade-off, where higher compliance burdens can reduce their competitive advantage, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Consequently, alignment with global standards often depends on state-led policy interventions, donor-funded capacity building, and buyer-driven incentives.

1.3 |  Opportunities and Constraints in Ghana’s Garment Sector

Ghana’s garment and textile sector has recently experienced renewed attention, especially under the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and the government’s Industrial Transformation Agenda. While the sector remains relatively small compared to global garment hubs, it holds significant potential for economic development, job creation, and export diversification. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offer Ghanaian producers opportunities to access larger markets, contingent upon meeting international standards of quality, labour, and sustainability (Abrokwah et al., 2021; Fofack, 2020).

However, compliance with global best practices among Ghanaian garment producers remains uneven. Factors such as limited awareness of international standards, insufficient technical expertise, and capital constraints hinder the ability of small producers to meet buyer expectations (Bosso et al., 2023). Moreover, informal apprenticeship systems dominate the local garment industry, posing additional challenges to formal compliance and regulation (Glover et al., 2024). Without targeted support and enforcement, many producers remain excluded from premium global value chains where compliance is a prerequisite.

Effective compliance in the garment sector requires the active participation of multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, international organisations, labour unions, and civil society. In Ghana, institutions like the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI), and the Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers (AGAM) have taken steps to promote quality assurance and ethical sourcing practices, but these efforts require greater coordination and capacity. However, studies emphasise the importance of embedding compliance frameworks within national development strategies, ensuring compliance is not merely buyer-driven but locally owned and institutionally supported (Barrientos, 2013). Training, certification schemes, and incentives for compliance can bridge the gap between local production systems and global standards.

2 |  METHODOLOGY

This study employed a cross-sectional survey to quantify the extent to which Ghanaian garment producers adhere to global best practices in sourcing, production, and distribution compliance. A purposive sampling frame was initially established by identifying active producers with export capacity in Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi, after which firms were stratified by size (small, medium, and large) and selected randomly to ensure proportional representation (Etikan et al., 2016). A total of 317 valid questionnaires were returned by production managers, compliance officers, logistics supervisors, and business owners, exceeding the sample size calculated using Cochran’s formula for unknown populations (Cochran, 1977).

Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, co-designed with inputs from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority and the Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers. The questionnaire comprised four sections: (a) sourcing compliance, (b) production compliance, (c) distribution compliance, and (d) demographic and firmographic characteristics. Questionnaire items measuring compliance dimensions were adapted from the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions, ISO 9001:2015 (quality management), ISO 14001:2015 (environmental management) standards, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Index, and the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code. All compliance items were assessed using a five-point Likert scale, ranging from highly non-compliant (1) to highly compliant (5) (Likert, 1932).

A pretest involving fifteen industry professionals assessed the questionnaire for clarity, relevance, and content validity. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients confirmed acceptable internal consistency and reliability for each compliance construct individually: sourcing compliance (α = 0.84), production compliance (α = 0.86), and distribution compliance (α = 0.79). Questionnaires were distributed at sectoral forums over two months, with electronic reminders sent periodically to enhance response rates. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) summarised compliance levels and explored variations by firm size and location. Construct validity was ensured through expert reviews and careful thematic grouping of questionnaire items under their respective compliance dimensions (Hair et al., 2010).

Ethical considerations were rigorously observed throughout the study. Ethical approval was secured from relevant institutional authorities prior to data collection. Informed consent was obtained from all respondents, clearly informing them of their right to withdraw at any stage without consequence. Confidentiality and anonymity were strictly maintained; responses were used exclusively for academic purposes and securely stored to prevent unauthorised access.

3 |  RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 |  Characteristics of study participants 

Table 1 presents the descriptive characteristics of garment enterprises surveyed in Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi. The regional distribution shows that over half of the businesses (54.9%) are located in the Greater Accra Region, confirming the area’s prominence as Ghana’s industrial and fashion epicentre. The Ashanti Region accounts for 24.6% of respondents, while the Northern Region represents 20.5%. This distribution highlights regional disparities in garment production, suggesting opportunities for targeted interventions to promote industry growth in underrepresented areas.

In terms of business age, the largest group of firms (34.7%) had been operating for six to ten years, followed by 25.0% with one to five years of operation. Firms established for more than fifteen years and those with eleven to fifteen years of experience each accounted for 15.1% of the sample. A smaller portion (10.1%) comprised newly established enterprises operating for less than one year. These results suggest a maturing industry with a stable core of firms, alongside consistent entry of new businesses driven by market demand and entrepreneurial interest. The legal structure data indicate a dominance of sole proprietorships, which make up 93.7% of enterprises, while only 6.3% are registered as limited liability companies. This pattern reflects a largely informal business landscape, which may limit access to capital, investment readiness, and compliance with international standards. Efforts to promote business formalisation could enhance firm scalability and competitiveness.

Workforce size further supports the predominance of small-scale operations. Most enterprises employed between one and five workers (39.7%), followed by 30.0% employing six to ten. Only 5.1% of firms had more than twenty employees, suggesting limited production capacity among the majority of businesses. This size constraint may impact the ability of firms to meet large or export-oriented orders, reinforcing the need for investment in labour productivity and production systems. Monthly revenue levels were generally modest, with 34.7% of firms earning less than GHS 1,000 and another 25% earning between GHS 1,000 and GHS 2,999. Only 5.0% of firms reported earnings above GHS 9,000. These figures underscore the financial limitations faced by many garment producers and suggest the need for improved access to finance, enhanced market linkages, and capacity-building programs aimed at increasing profitability and business resilience.

Table 1. Core Attributes of Fashion Enterprises in Ghana

Characteristic	n	%
Greater Accra	174	54.9
Ashanti	78	24.6
Northern	65	20.5
Age of Business (years)
Less than 1	32	10.1
1 – 5	79	25.0
6 – 10	110	34.7
11 – 15	48	15.1
More than 15	48	15.1
Legal status of business
Limited Liability Company	18	6.3
Sole Proprietorship	299	93.7
Number of workers
1 – 5	126	39.7
6 – 10	95	30.0
11 – 15	48	15.1
16 – 20	32	10.1
More than 20	16	5.1
Average Monthly Revenue (Gh¢)
< 1,000	110	34.7
1,000 – 2,999	79	25
3,000 – 4,999	48	15.1
5,000 – 6,999	32	10.1
7,000 – 8,999	22	6.9
9,000 and above	16	5.0
Not willing to say	10	3.2

3.2 |  Sourcing Compliance with Global Best Practices by Ghana Apparel Manufacturers

The study assesses global best practices by Ghanaian apparel manufacturing firms in sourcing raw materials for their operation. The descriptive statistical results are presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Descriptive Statistics on Compliance with Global Best Practices in Sourcing

Statement	N	SD	SA	M	±SD
Our company strongly complies with sourcing materials locally to reduce lead times and minimise transportation emissions.	317	4	50	4.19	0.992
We prioritise partnering with suppliers who adhere to fair labour practices and ensure fair wages in our sourcing practices.	317	10	35	3.72	0.982
We ensure that all suppliers comply with local and international labour and environmental laws.	317	72	9	1.29	0.761
Our industry trains suppliers on compliance requirements and best practices in labour rights and environmental sustainability.	317	37	19	2.70	0.821
Our quality control procedures align with international benchmarks.	317	82	13	1.08	1.098
My industry regularly conducts audits and assessments to monitor compliance and quality.	317	9	18	3.15	0.887
My industry opts for suppliers with certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX.	317	24	8	2.42	1.103
A dedicated team is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with global standards.	317	72	1	1.31	0.954
Our industry uses organic, recycled, or sustainably sourced fabrics to reduce environmental impact.	317	26	8	2.23	0.872
Our industry ensures social compliance and alignment with ethical sourcing and social responsibility standards.	317	10	17	3.10	0.931
My industry communicates clearly about our sourcing practices and ensures supply chain transparency.	317	12	15	2.99	1.034
My industry utilises multiple suppliers to mitigate risks associated with dependency on a single source.	317	75	1	4.05	0.898
Our industry implements blockchain technology for traceability and transparency in the supply chain.	317	10	19	1.25	1.102
My industry negotiates bulk purchasing agreements to lower costs while ensuring quality.	317	41	24	3.14	0.976
Composite Score