Local furniture producers welcome gov’t directive

Local furniture producers have welcomed government's directive to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to desist from importing foreign furniture for office use.

Chairs, tables, desks, beds, among others have become a part of everyday life. There is the need to create more awareness so that Ghanaians can consume what they produce.

Currently, the furniture industry is said to be recording high sales and observers believe the boom is being driven by the craze for imported items and sheer ostentation.

Our checks reveal that Ghanaians and foreigners prefer the imported furniture to the locally manufactured ones, which are much cheaper. Local furniture dealers in the country, in recent times, are said to be facing competition from importers.

There has been the proliferation of furniture marts, showrooms, centres and workshops in recent times in the country with most fittings imported from foreign countries.

The Minister for Local Government and Rural development Julius Debrah who made the announcement over the weekend urged the MMDAs to purchase such furniture from local producers. He indicated that he will lead the campaign for MMDAs to use locally produced furniture at their offices.

Julius Debrah said this would help to stabilize the local currency, the Cedi, generate employment for the youth in particular, as well as those employed in the industry.

According to local furniture makers, the move will help revive the industry which is near collapse. CEO of Agorwu furniture Samuel Kwame Diabo has been speaking on the directive and says “it means a lot, number one is going to boost the industry, the youth are going get job to do. This would also help stabilize the fallen cedi and so we are very happy for the directive from the government. Nigeria has banned the importation of finished furniture. If only our government can do it as Nigeria did it will be good for us.”