Ghana Footwear Manufacturers Association urges govt to curb importation of Chinese sandals

The Ghana Footwear Manufacturers Association has appealed to the government to urgently address the influx of cheap Chinese sandals, warning that it is threatening the survival of local shoe makers.

Speaking at the association’s 5th Anniversary celebration in Asafo, Kumasi, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Chairman and CEO of Blessing Shower Gel, Mr. Kingsley Gyamfi, expressed concern over the growing preference for imported sandals, describing them as “cheap but not durable.”

He noted that despite the superior quality and durability of locally made footwear, unfair competition from inexpensive imports has led to significant financial losses for Ghanaian manufacturers.

In an interview with OTEC FM’s news reporter Maame Akosuah Gyamfuaa Sundae, executives of the association revealed that many local businesses are struggling to survive, with workers leaving and investments going to waste.

They explained that the affordability of low-quality imported products has made them the preferred choice for many consumers, even though locally made shoes are more durable and of higher quality.

The association urged the government to take decisive action against the flood of cheap imports and to invest in the domestic footwear industry to revive the sector, create jobs, and boost the nation’s economy.

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