The Signs of Success project, a collaborative effort between the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), DTRT Apparel, and the Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD), has been launched in Accra, Ghana. This initiative marks a significant step towards fostering inclusive employment within Ghana’s textile and apparel industry. The project aims to empower 220 individuals with hearing impairments by providing them with the necessary skills to operate garment factory equipment effectively. This skills development program is expected to lead to full-time employment for up to 200 trainees at DTRT’s production facilities in Accra and Tema, thereby contributing to their economic independence and integration into the workforce. The project is underpinned by Germany’s “Invest for Jobs” initiative, which promotes decent work and a just transition in developing economies.
The Signs of Success project represents a multi-faceted approach to addressing the employment challenges faced by persons with disabilities. It not only focuses on providing practical skills training but also on fostering a more inclusive environment within the textile and apparel sector. By facilitating the integration of individuals with hearing impairments into the workforce, the project aims to demonstrate the valuable contributions they can make to the industry and the broader economy. This initiative underscores the importance of creating equal opportunities and breaking down barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in the labor market. Furthermore, the project aligns with international development goals, highlighting the commitment of both Ghana and Germany to promoting disability inclusion.
The German Development Cooperation, through its “Invest for Jobs” initiative, has played a crucial role in supporting this project financially and strategically. This support reflects the organization’s dedication to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development in partner countries like Ghana. Mr. John Duti, the Team Leader for Invest for Jobs at GIZ Ghana, emphasized the significance of inclusive employment and the potential of Ghana’s textile and apparel sector to create sustainable job opportunities. He highlighted the project’s alignment with global and national commitments to disability inclusion, demonstrating a concerted effort to address societal inequities and promote diversity in the workplace.
GNAD, as a key partner in the project, brings valuable expertise and insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by the deaf community in Ghana. Mr. Juventus Duorinaah, Executive Director of GNAD, lauded the collaboration as an exemplary model for disability-inclusive development. He stressed the importance of partnerships that are grounded in the lived experiences of deaf individuals, ensuring that interventions are effective and truly empowering. This partnership model recognizes the agency and potential of persons with disabilities and seeks to create opportunities for them to actively participate in and contribute to economic growth.
DTRT Apparel, the private sector partner in this initiative, plays a vital role in providing the practical training and employment opportunities for the trainees. Salma Salifu, Managing Director of Dignity DTRT, articulated the company’s commitment to treating all employees with dignity and respect, a principle reflected in their company name, which stands for “Do The Right Thing.” This commitment to inclusivity is manifested in their willingness to provide opportunities to individuals with disabilities, recognizing their inherent value and potential. DTRT’s practices, which include providing meals, transportation, and a respectful work environment, highlight the company’s dedication to creating a supportive and empowering workplace.
The Signs of Success project is aligned with several international frameworks and commitments related to disability inclusion. It conforms to the OECD-DAC policy marker on the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, introduced by BMZ in 2024. Furthermore, it contributes to the broader goals outlined in the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion, which advocates for integrating disability inclusion as a specific objective in development programs. The project’s alignment with these frameworks emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic and coordinated approach to promoting disability rights and inclusion in development initiatives. The presence of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, further underscores the collaborative nature of this project and the collective commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable textile and apparel sector in Ghana.
