<p>The purpose of the study is to examine the challenges facing the Ghanaian textile industry with emphasis on the Adinkra textile cloth printing sub sector in Ghana, as well as opportunities for improving the industry. The sub sector is distinct and has different dynamics from other sub sectors of the broader textile industry. The study informs policy makers and private sector on the factors resulting in the decline of the Adinkra textile sub sector and the need to sustain the sub sector of the textiles industry due to its heritage importance and contribution to the economy. It also examines potential business opportunities for local and international firms to invest in the textile sub market for expansion and profitability. An empirical research design with mixed-methods approach was used in this study. A qualitative approach (semi-structured interviews) was used to collect the data, coded and analysed using standard NVivo software which generated quantitative outcomes for descriptive statistical analysis. Qualitative approach was also used to interpret the findings of the study. The results indicated that, factors such as lack of access to capital, outmoded forms of technology, issues with supply chain and nature of the dyes for printing the textile cloths are primarily responsible for the declining state of the sub sector. The implications of the challenges and the declining state of the sub sector are discussed and solutions proffered to solve the challenges.</p>

Generally, Ghanaian fabrics are unique and authentic, with each bearing traditional riches that express more pride in their national history, physical, material or symbolic gestures to benefit the indigenous Ghanaians. The fabrics have symbolic names and meanings, based upon which this study investigated consumers’ knowledge of symbolic names and meanings of Ghanaian fabrics and their impact on consumer purchase intentions. A quantitative research design was adopted for the study with a targeted population of 3,490,030 that visit the various clothing and textile shops in the Kumasi Central Business District (KCBD). The sample size for the study was 385 participants. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used in selecting the respondents. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to gather information from the respondents. The returned questionnaires were coded and keyed into SPSS-23.0. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The study revealed that the customers have little knowledge about Ghanaian fabrics’ symbolic names and meanings. It was concluded that Ghanaian fabrics had symbolic value, with names and meanings attached and consumers had little knowledge about the Ghanaian fabrics they use. The study recommended that manufacturers could embark on social, cultural and traditional events as part of their promotional programmes to educate and remind consumers to appreciate their rich culture and the symbolic value of the Ghanaian fabrics.

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