Perceptions of the general public on second-hand clothing a case of users and sellers in the Greater Accra Metropolis

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the perceptions of the general public on second-hand clothing with specific reference to users and sellers in the Greater Accra Metropolis. This study used a case study design. Quantitative research approach was used. The total population was 630 second-hand clothes sellers and fashion users in the Greater Accra Metropolis. Rand om sampling method was used to select 242 respondents f or the study. The instrument used in primary data collection was questionnaire. Quantitative data was organized and analyzed statistically using Statistical Package f or Social Science (SPSS) S oft ware. The study results revealed that less than half of the respondents said that because second-hand clothing is relatively cheaper than the made-in-Ghana garments, more people patronize it at the expense of the latter. Moreover, majority of the respondents indicated that because of the l o w demand f or made in Ghana products, Ghanaian clothes cannot compete well with imported second-hand clothes. In addition, more than half of the respondents affirmed that laying- off of workers in the Garment Industry can affect the industry. The study findings show that the majority of the respondents agreed that in Ghana, many people prefer using second hand clothes, as it is the only way they can afford to wear decent clothing, due to the high cost of new clothes, even the locally-made ones. Finally, average number of the respondents agreed that many people prefer second-hand clothes, since they are cheaper and more durable as compared to the ones s old in boutiques. The study recommends enforcement of the ban on the importation of second-hand clothing such as under pants, brassier, to forestall the spread of any contagious disease and there is the need to continue to promote the Friday wear to enhance sales of local clothing.