Boosting local production: Ghana Leather Association pushes for zero duty on raw materials. #JoyNews

Added: 2026-05-28

[00:00:04]The Ghana leather and footwear manufacturers association has argued that the influx of cheaper imported footwear is crippling local industries and threatening jobs within Ghana's leather and footwear sector. According to the association, recent data from the Ghana statistical service indicates that about 70% of footwear sold in Ghana between 2024 and 2025 were imported from China with a total import value estimated at 40 million US dollars. At a press conference in Kumasi, the group warned that without urgent intervention, several small and medium-scale producers could be forced out of business due to mounting competition from imported products. President of the association, Gilbert Acquah Sintim, says local manufacturers are struggling to compete despite paying a 10% duty at the port on raw materials and production-related imports. It has become a bare fact that many of us today standing here buy every pair of shoe.

[00:01:05]We bury our dreams at the port.

[00:01:09]We ship millions dollars to China and we import poverty back home.

[00:01:18]This is not not just a business issue.

[00:01:24]It is a national economic concern.

[00:01:27]The Ghana leather and footwear manufacturers association GALFAM representing footwear manufacturers, leather producers, traders across Ghana wishes to express a deep concern over the massive inflow of cheap imported footwear from China that is threatening the survival of Ghana leather and shoe industry.

[00:01:49]Speaking on the challenges confronting the industry, Mr. Acquah Sintim stressed that many local producers have the capacity to manufacture quality footwear but continue to lose market share due to the overwhelming presence of foreign products.

[00:02:05]Increasing takeover Ghanaian's footwear market by imported product, particularly from China.

[00:02:15]A nation that cannot foot eight people is a nation who walk into a future with a barefoot.

[00:02:25]According to data from the Ghana Statistical Office and UN common trade over 70% footwear sold in Ghana from 2024 to 2025 is imported from China.

[00:02:45]With import value exceeding 40 million US dollars.

[00:02:52]Why Ghanaian footwear export remain below 1 million dollars. Meanwhile Ghanaian local industry which have capacity to employ thousands continue to struggle.

[00:03:07]The group is however calling on the government to introduce protective trade measures including higher tariffs on imports originating from outside the AFCFTA zone to encourage the consumption of made in Ghana products and support local industrial growth. Tariff equality Increase tariff on finished synthetic leather goods from outside African trade continental zone.

[00:03:37]Mandatory local procurement and executive directives must mandated state agencies, schools be be sourced 100% certified local manufacturing.

[00:03:53]Launch and buy Ghana made campaign prioritizing local made.

[00:04:01]Port enforcement stop mis-qualification of finished shoes as raw materials at the ports.

[00:04:11]Affordable financing open access to low interest rate through Ghana Exim bank for industrial machines.

[00:04:20]Joy News, Nana Kwadwo Boateng, Kumasi.

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