Accra, 20 September 2025
The launch also establishes a Research and Policy Taskforce to deliver quarterly reporting on textile flows and support international accountability frameworks.
Landfills to Landmarks and the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association have officially launched a Buy Back Scheme in Accra’s second-hand clothing markets, accompanied by the adoption of a downstream traceability tool and the establishment of a new Research and Policy Taskforce.
The Buy Back Scheme introduces a structured process for retailers to return unsold stock to importers. Returned textiles are systematically logged, verified and directed into recognised end-of-life pathways, such as resale, upcycling, recycling and, where necessary, energy recovery.
Coinciding with World Cleanup Day, the launch marked the first public demonstration of a downstream textile traceability tool. This innovative system captures each return with a bale identifier, QR entry, photographic evidence and verified outcome, ensuring a tamper-evident chain of custody. At the same event, Landfills to Landmarks and the Association formalised their commitment to adopt and scale the tool for routine market use by signing a memorandum of understanding. Textile Recycling International (TRI), Europe’s largest exporter participated as observers and have expressed intent to engage with the system as it progresses.
This initiative aligns with international efforts to improve accountability in the textile sector. Recent legislation by the European Parliament obliges producers to finance the collection, sorting, reuse and recycling of textiles in the EU, although outcomes after export often remain undocumented. The Buy Back Scheme and traceability tool in Ghana provide a pioneering mechanism for producing verifiable downstream evidence, thereby extending accountability across the value chain and supporting the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks.
To oversee transparent reporting, a Research and Policy Taskforce has been set up. The Taskforce will publish quarterly traceability reports and an annual overview of textile flows. These publications will document diversion volumes, brand label distribution, effects on traders’ incomes and durability signals arising from market practices. The resulting data will assist policymakers, regulators and industry partners in shaping compliance, investment and future legislative measures.
The pilot phase, scheduled to run through to December 2025, will cover two market hubs and two satellite sites. Throughout this period, 200 retailers will receive training in disclosure and record-keeping. It is anticipated that approximately 120 tonnes of textiles will be diverted from uncontrolled dumping, with over 150 brand labels documented to reinforce traceability. Additionally, 250 youth volunteers will engage in clean-up operations and support data collection. An independent evaluation will be conducted at the conclusion of the pilot to inform recommendations for national expansion and long- term integration.
During the launch, the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association emphasised that the scheme offers traders a reliable route for unsold stock while enhancing market confidence. Mr Henry Treku and Mr Samuel Ofori-Gyampoh, co-founders of Landfills2Landmarks, underlined that independent verification is essential to ensure textiles are correctly categorised and directed to appropriate end uses. They added that downstream markets, long absent from global policy discussions, are now in a position to generate the robust evidence required to support international reporting standards.
The pilot is being financed jointly by the project partners. A sustainable funding model is currently in development, which will combine importer contributions, co-financing from brands and retailers, targeted donor support, revenues from resale and upcycling, and subscription access to verified downstream data for brands, regulators and policy institutions.
For further information or media enquiries, please contact Landfills to Landmarks Communications.
