Once a thriving hub of textile manufacturing, Juapong (Volta Star) Textile Limited (JTL/VSTL) provided employment for thousands across Juapong, the Volta Region, Greater Accra, Eastern Region, and even parts of Togo. For decades, the factory played a pivotal role in Ghana’s industrial sector, supplying fabric for both local and international markets. However, financial mismanagement, competition from imported textiles, and high production costs led to its eventual collapse in the early 2000s. Successive governments have made attempts to revive it, but none have met expectations.

As the 2024 elections approach, both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are once again making promises to transform Ghana’s industrial landscape. The NPP’s 2024 manifesto mentions plans to revamp defunct factories under their “One District, One Factory” (1D1F) initiative, aiming to partner with the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to reignite Ghana’s industrial engin . On the other hand, the NDC also commits to economic revival through job creation and rebuilding key industries. Their focus on revitalizing non-functional factories forms part of their broader goal to boost production and employment

While these are commendable goals, it is essential that both parties remember Juapong Textile Limited. The absence of this once-prominent factory has led to widespread unemployment, pushing residents to depend on motorcycle transport services (Okada) as a primary source of income. This over-dependence on low-income jobs has fueled petty crime, with many struggling to make ends meet.

Rehabilitating Juapong Textile Limited should be more than just a promise—it must become a priority. Both the NPP and NDC must outline concrete plans for its revival as part of their industrial strategies. This factory holds the potential to transform the local economy, reduce poverty, and restore hope to the communities it once sustained.

Juapong deserves to be part of the national development agenda, ensuring that the community receives its fair share of the “national cake.” We urge both political parties to go beyond rhetoric and include the revival of Juapong Textile Limited in their 2024 industrialization plans, making it a reality. Only then can the community see meaningful change and a path toward prosperity.

Photos by: @KiaraStudios5061