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🇬🇭 Ghana /Economy & Trade

Ghanaian shoe manufacturers warn of collapse, seek government intervention

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Ghanaian leather and footwear manufacturers are appealing to the government for urgent intervention to prevent the industry's collapse.
  • They cite the influx of cheap Chinese imports, which now account for over 70% of footwear sold in the country, as a major threat.
  • The association proposes higher tariffs on imported footwear, reduced duties on raw materials, and a government directive for institutions to procure locally made shoes.

Local leather and footwear manufacturers in Ghana are sounding the alarm over the imminent collapse of their industry, urging the government to intervene immediately. The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association (GLFMA) stated that cheap Chinese imports are rapidly eroding local production capacity and jeopardizing thousands of jobs.

At a press conference, the GLFMA revealed that over 70% of footwear sold in Ghana between 2024 and 2025 originated from China, with import values exceeding $40 million. In stark contrast, Ghana's own footwear exports remain below $1 million, creating a significant trade imbalance. The association is calling on the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Ghana EXIM Bank to take swift action.

As part of its proposals, we are advocating higher tariffs on finished footwear imports from outside the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as reduced or zero duties on raw materials.

— Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers AssociationThe association outlined its proposed solutions to the government to support the local industry.

Gilbert Akwasi Ntim, President of the GLFMA, alleged that some importers are evading taxes by misclassifying finished Chinese footwear as rubber scrap, allowing them to pay duties as low as 5%. Local manufacturers, meanwhile, face a combined tax rate of approximately 36.1% on imported raw materials. To address this, the GLFMA advocates for higher tariffs on finished footwear imports from outside the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and reduced or zero duties on essential raw materials.

Furthermore, the association seeks an executive directive compelling institutions like the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, and Ghana Education Service to exclusively source their footwear from certified local manufacturers. A similar directive in 2025 was reportedly not effectively enforced. The GLFMA also wants the government to launch a "Buy Ghana Made Footwear" campaign to boost local product visibility and demand.

As part of its proposals, we are advocating higher tariffs on finished footwear imports from outside the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as reduced or zero duties on raw materials.

— Mr Gilbert Akwasi NtimThe President of the association reiterated the call for adjusted tariffs and duties.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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