Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association want government’s protection as Chinese imports flood market

The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association is calling on government to urgently intervene to save the local footwear industry from collapse amid rising competition from cheap Chinese imports.

Addressing a press conference at Jubilee Park in Kumasi on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, President of the Association, Gilbert Akwasi Ntim, said the continuous influx of foreign footwear, coupled with unfavourable tariff policies, is threatening the livelihoods of thousands of local artisans and manufacturers.

“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, that is extinction,” Mr. Ntim lamented.

He explained that the reduction of import duties on finished footwear from 36.1% to 5% has made it almost impossible for Ghanaian shoemakers to compete.

At the same time, he added, importers allegedly misclassify finished products as “raw materials” at the ports to enjoy even lower tariffs.

The Association warned that if nothing is done, many factories and small-scale workshops will be forced to shut down, leaving thousands jobless.

“We are not asking government to ban imports. We are only asking for a level playing field. Tax our raw materials fairly and let the same rules apply to finished products,” he stated.

Mr. Ntim urged government to implement urgent measures, including zero duty on raw materials for local production, stricter enforcement at the ports, and a nationwide “Buy Ghana, Wear Ghana” campaign to boost patronage of locally made footwear.

“Ghanaian leather and footwear are durable, quality, and proudly made. If Ghanaians choose local, we can create more jobs and grow our economy,” he added.

The Association says it will continue to engage policymakers and stakeholders to ensure the survival and growth of Ghana’s leather and footwear sector.