Ghana’s streets are awash with colourful secondhand clothing, locally known as “obroni wawu,” a thriving market that reflects both opportunity and controversy.
Imported mostly from Europe and the United States, these used clothes provide affordable fashion for millions while supporting small-scale traders and informal businesses across the country.
However, the influx of secondhand clothing has also significantly impacted local textile industries, where domestic producers struggle to compete with cheap imports.
Many artisans and small manufacturers face declining sales, threatening livelihoods and the preservation of Ghanaian textile traditions.
The Channel One TV documentary “Rags and Riches”, produced by one of its broadcast journalists, Fauzu Masawudu, explores this paradox, shedding light on how used clothing fuels economic activity on one hand but challenges local production on the other.
From bustling markets to interviews with traders and artisans, it captures the cultural, economic, and social dimensions of Ghana’s second-hand clothing industry.
As Ghana continues to navigate this dual impact, questions remain about sustainable practices, protection of local industries, and balancing affordability with supporting homegrown talent.
Watch the full video below.
