Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure has rejected claims that Northshore Apparel Gh, the garment factory was funded under the former government’s One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme.

In a Facebook post, Mr Azure said the project concept was submitted to the 1D1F Secretariat through the Ministry of Trade under the NPP administration in 2022, but although it was acknowledged, no funding or concessionary bank support was provided.

"The project, at ground breaking in 2024, had grant funding support from Investing For Employment, a facility of KFW through the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation, a commercial loan facility from ADB PLC, and equity contributions from the promoters".

According to him, the ADB loan was a private commercial transaction secured with their own collateral and was not arranged through 1D1F or any other government-backed concessionary scheme.

He also indicated that government officials at the time largely distanced themselves from the project. Although an invitation was extended to the administration, the Northern Regional Minister, who had reportedly been delegated to attend, did not appear at the sod-cutting ceremony.

The Savelugu Municipal Chief Executive was the only government official said to have attended.

The promoters say deliberate state support began in 2025, when the project was submitted to the Ghana Export-Import Bank, or GEXIM.

"In 2025, the project was presented to Ghana EximBank (GEXIM) for consideration. GEXIM, led by Sylvester Mensah, evaluated and increased its scope, paid off ADB PLC, and injected the much-needed funds through its concessionary rates to bring the project to its current completion".

The Youth Employment Agency, through its Youth in Garment initiative, is also said to have supported the training of 1,000 beneficiaries, while the National Youth Authority provided support for another 1,000 trainees.

The promoters say there is no evidence that Northshore Apparel GH was an official 1D1F project. They argue that the focus should now be on the factory’s potential to create jobs and attract continued support from future governments and other partners.