Ghanaian designer and Chief Executive Officer of Master P Ventures and Legacy Fashion, Kwabena Owusu Agyemang, popularly known as Master P, has renewed calls for a ban on the importation and sale of second-hand clothing, warning that they pose serious health risks to users.
He argued that imported used clothing circulating in Ghanaian markets may expose consumers to viral and bacterial infections, with particular concern raised about second-hand undergarments such as brassieres and panties.
According to him, such clothing is often treated with various chemicals and sprays in their countries of origin before being shipped to Ghana.
“Second-hand clothing are not good for us. All forms of spray are applied on them in various countries before they are dumped on us. If you are observant you will realise that the United Kingdom, United States, China and others have their peculiar scents in all these waste they hoard for years and flood our markets with,” he said.
He further expressed concern about the potential health impact on women who wear used undergarments, warning of possible skin complications.
“Let’s take our dear females for instance; you may not get HIV/AIDS for using used clothing of a patient, but there are complaints of hard-to-treat itchings under the breast and other private parts over the use of such panties and bras,” he added.
Master P also pointed out that Ghana already has laws prohibiting the importation of certain categories of used clothing, but said enforcement has been weak.
He referenced Legislative Instrument 1586 of 1994, which bans the importation of used undergarments and other sanitary items deemed unhygienic. The law prohibits the commercial importation of items such as handkerchiefs, underpants, mattresses and sanitary ware, with offenders liable to fines or imprisonment.
Despite these provisions, he lamented that second-hand clothing continues to dominate local markets.
The fashion designer also dismissed the belief that new clothing is unaffordable, insisting that quality alternatives are available at relatively low prices.
He argued that with as little as GH¢50, consumers can purchase decent new clothing, avoid potential health risks, and improve their overall appearance.
Beyond clothing concerns, Master P called on corporate Ghana to invest in modern industrial machinery for the fashion and textile sector. He said such investment would reduce dependence on foreign production hubs like China and help strengthen the local economy.
In a related appeal, he urged Ghanaian youth to embrace hard work and discipline, warning against the pursuit of quick money through questionable means. He stressed that sustainable success comes through perseverance and dedication rather than shortcuts.
