Local Footwear Makers Urge Government Action as Cheap Chinese Imports Take Over

The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association is asking government to step in quickly to prevent the collapse of the local shoe industry, which is struggling against a wave of cheap Chinese imports.

Speaking at a press conference held at Jubilee Park in Kumasi, Association President Gilbert Akwasi Ntim said foreign footwear flooding the market, along with unfavorable tariff policies, is putting the jobs of thousands of local shoemakers and artisans at risk.

He pointed out that import duties on finished footwear were cut from 36.1% to 5%, making it nearly impossible for Ghanaian producers to compete. Ntim also alleged that some importers declare finished shoes as raw materials at the ports to pay even lower tariffs.

The Association warned that without intervention, many factories and small workshops will have to close, leading to widespread job losses.

To protect the industry, Mr. Ntim called for immediate steps: remove duties on raw materials used for local production, tighten enforcement at the ports to stop misclassification, and launch a national “Buy Ghana, Wear Ghana” campaign to encourage people to choose locally made footwear.