In the ongoing national conversation about resetting Ghana’s economy and creating jobs for our youth, one critical sector remains largely overlooked—the cleaning and facilities management industry. Yet across the world, this industry has proven to be a powerful engine for employment, entrepreneurship, and public health.
The Global Value of Cleaning Industry
Globally, the cleaning industry is valued at more than $300 billion and employs millions of workers across commercial offices, healthcare facilities, schools, and public institutions. In the United States alone, the sector employs more than three million people, while the United Kingdom’s cleaning industry contributes approximately £54 billion annually to the economy.
In Ghana, the evidence is now equally compelling.
Between 2023 and 2025, employment in occupations directly associated with cleaning activities in Ghana increased by approximately 19–22%, substantially surpassing the national overall employment growth rate of 6–7%. This growth is attributable to structural factors, including the expansion of urban infrastructure, rising private-sector demand, and heightened hygiene awareness following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Pathway to Youth Employment
Youth unemployment remains one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges. The cleaning and facilities management sector provides an accessible entry point for young people entering the workforce. With proper training and structured career pathways, entry-level roles can evolve into supervisory, managerial, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Moreover, the sector provides significant employment opportunities for women, contributing to gender equality and economic empowerment.
A Journey of Empowerment and Growth
Consider the story of Gladys.
Several years ago, Gladys embarked on her professional journey as a cleaner at A & C Mall in Accra. Despite having limited education and little self-confidence, her initial outlook appeared modest. Nevertheless, Gladys demonstrated remarkable dedication and a willingness to learn on the job. Over time, her commitment propelled her upward within the organisation. She advanced from her role as a cleaner to supervisor, eventually becoming a site manager at an office complex in Airport City, Accra.
During her ascent in the cleaning and facilities management industry, Gladys also demonstrated entrepreneurial initiative. She launched a small side business, providing office wear to workers in the Airport City enclave. Today, Gladys enjoys financial independence and has played a pivotal role in building a home for her family. Her story exemplifies how perseverance and opportunity within the sector can lead to personal and professional transformation.
Her story is not unique.
Raheem’s journey stands as another testament to the transformative power of the cleaning and facilities management industry. As a young man facing hardship, Raheem was cleaning car windshields at Kawokudi traffic for a pittance, doing whatever he could to get by. His perseverance and commitment did not go unnoticed—a cleaning company recognised his potential and offered him the chance to undergo training in professional high-rise window cleaning.
With his newly acquired expertise, Raheem transitioned into the role of an abseiling technician, which provided him with a reliable source of income. Determined to further improve his circumstances, he used the financial stability from his job to purchase a motorbike. This allowed him to launch a courier delivery business on the side, broadening his opportunities and income streams.
Raheem’s progress has had a meaningful impact beyond his own life. He now serves as an inspiration within his community, showing fellow young people that persistence and the right opportunities can lead to genuine transformation and the realisation of personal goals.
These stories illustrate the untapped potential of Ghana’s cleaning industry.
Promoting a Preventive Maintenance Culture
Ghana has invested heavily in infrastructure—schools, hospitals, offices, and public facilities. Yet these assets often deteriorate quickly due to poor maintenance practices.
Professional cleaning and facilities management services play a crucial role in preventive maintenance. In countries like Japan, the widely recognised S5 model has been instrumental in transforming maintenance culture into one of the most effective worldwide. Properly maintained buildings benefit from increased longevity, improved efficiency in daily operations, and reduced need for expensive repairs.
A culture of preventive maintenance is not a luxury—it is an economic necessity.
Public Health and Productivity
Clean environments are essential for public health in workplaces, schools, and hospitals. Effective cleaning and hygiene reduce illness and absenteeism, boosting productivity. Investing in professional cleaning lowers healthcare demands and costs by preventing disease, leading to better overall well-being and fewer doctor visits.
Supporting Ghana’s Sustainable Development Goals
Investment in the cleaning industry is closely aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as:
- Good Health and Well-Being
- No Poverty
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
Strengthening this sector enables Ghana to make significant progress across multiple development objectives simultaneously.
A Call for Strategic Attention
To fully realise the potential of Ghana’s cleaning and facilities management industry, several key strategic steps should be implemented:
- Develop professional training programmes through TVET institutions
- Establish policies that provide clear direction and regulatory support for the sector
- Advance standards and certification for cleaning services
- Encourage public institutions to contract professional cleaning firms
- Foster entrepreneurship within the facility services sector
Collectively, these initiatives would contribute to the formalisation and strengthening of an industry that offers significant employment opportunities to Ghanaians.
Industry Leaders in Training and Standardisation
Over the past decade, the Ghana Chapter of the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) and the Contract Cleaners Association of Ghana (CCAG) have played a pivotal role in advancing the cleaning and facilities management sector. These organisations have been at the forefront of efforts to provide training, certification, and standardisation for industry professionals. Their commitment has significantly elevated professional standards and ensured that best practices are consistently upheld throughout the industry.
Conclusion: Advancing Progress Through Strategic Action
As Mahatma Gandhi observed, “There is no progress without cleanliness.” In Ghana, investment in the cleaning and facilities management industry extends beyond maintaining orderly environments—it encompasses job creation, public health protection, and long-term sustainability.
The sector’s potential is no longer in question. The pertinent consideration is whether the current administration will strategically leverage this opportunity to facilitate a projected 30,000 night-shift cleaning positions by 2028 within the framework of the 24-Hour Economy policy.
To effect meaningful economic transformation, it is essential to recognise the significant value inherent in this often-underappreciated industry. Immediate action is required to realise these benefits.
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The writer is a Facilities Management Executive, a Cleaning Industry Advocate and Workforce Development Champion. He can be reached via email at: ysalford18@gmail.com
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
