Quality issues in the Garment Industry: A perspective of Ghana’s SMEs and Dressmakers

Purpose: Clothing is one of the most prioritised needs of people since it creates various impressions about them. Yet, compared to the foreign ones, the demand for Ghanaian-made is in low demand due to arguments on inferior quality. The purpose of the study was to investigate quality issues within Ghana's garment industry from the perspective of SMEs and dressmakers. Methodology/Design: A qualitative approach was employed, utilising face-to-face interviews and focus groups with industry participants. Data was analysed using NVivo to identify key themes such as pre-production, production, and post-production phases. These themes included: the type of sewing machine used; human resources and work environment; quality supervision and inspection; press as you sew; garment accessory assessment; trimming suitability and aesthetics; finishing techniques; comparative assessment of quality; and packaging. Findings: The study identified major quality challenges in each phase of the garment production process. These include inadequate training during pre-production, inconsistent quality control during production, and poor finishing in post-production. Practical and Social Implications: The study has implications for policy interventions, by addressing these quality issues, the study suggests that SMEs can enhance their competitiveness and sustainability. Improved training, investment in better equipment, and stringent quality controls are crucial for the industry's growth and market reputation. Improving garment quality in Ghana's SMEs can boost national pride, reduce reliance on imports, strengthen the local economy, create jobs, and ensure fair labour practices, this study provides a holistic view of quality issues in the garment industry, offering unique insights from local dressmakers and SMEs, and highlighting specific challenges and opportunities for improvement. Originality: This study provides a distinctive perspective into the specific quality issues faced by Ghanaian SMEs and dressmakers, offering targeted solutions to bridge the gap between small-scale and large-scale producers.