The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association has appealed to government to introduce urgent policy measures to protect Ghana’s footwear industry, warning that local manufacturers are struggling to survive amid an influx of low-cost imported shoes.
Addressing a press conference at Jubilee Park in Kumasi, the Association’s President, Gilbert Akwasi Ntim, said the current trade environment places domestic producers at a significant disadvantage and threatens the sustainability of the sector.
According to him, thousands of artisans, shoemakers and small-scale manufacturers risk losing their livelihoods as imported footwear, particularly from China, continues to dominate the local market.
“Local producers are being suffocated. While we pay high duties on raw materials, finished shoes from China enter the market at lower rates. That is not competition; it is extinction,” Mr. Ntim stated.
Tariff Structure Hurting Local Producers
The Association argued that recent changes in import duty rates have weakened the competitiveness of Ghanaian footwear manufacturers.
Mr. Ntim explained that duties on imported finished footwear have reportedly been reduced from 36.1 per cent to five per cent, making imported products significantly cheaper than locally manufactured alternatives.
He further alleged that some importers exploit loopholes at the country’s ports by declaring finished footwear as raw materials to benefit from lower tariff rates.
According to the Association, the situation has created an uneven playing field that discourages local production and undermines efforts to develop Ghana’s manufacturing sector.
Factories Risk Closure
Industry players warned that without immediate intervention, many footwear factories and workshops could be forced to scale down operations or shut down entirely.
The Association said such closures would have serious consequences for employment, particularly among young people who depend on the sector for income and skills development.
“We are not asking government to ban imports. We are only asking for a level playing field. Tax our raw materials fairly and ensure the same rules apply to finished products,” Mr. Ntim emphasized.
Calls for Government Action
To revive the sector, the Association proposed a package of measures aimed at reducing production costs and strengthening local competitiveness.
Among its recommendations are the removal of import duties on raw materials used by local manufacturers, stricter customs enforcement to prevent product misclassification, and enhanced support for domestic producers.
The Association also urged government to intensify public awareness campaigns encouraging consumers to patronise locally manufactured footwear.
Mr. Ntim said a nationwide “Buy Ghana, Wear Ghana” initiative could help expand the market for locally produced shoes while supporting job creation and industrial growth.
“Ghanaian leather and footwear products are durable, high-quality and proudly made. Increased patronage of local products will create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth,” he noted.
Stakeholder Engagement to Continue
The Association indicated that it would continue engaging government agencies, policymakers and industry stakeholders to secure reforms that will strengthen the leather and footwear value chain.
Industry leaders believe targeted policy support could help transform the sector into a major contributor to manufacturing growth, export earnings and youth employment.
They maintain that addressing tariff disparities and improving market conditions are critical to ensuring the long-term survival and expansion of Ghana’s leather and footwear industry.
