The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association has called on the government to reduce import duties on raw materials used by local manufacturers, saying it could stage a protest if its concerns are not addressed.
The Association has submitted a petition to Parliament calling for an urgent review of the current tariff regime and stricter enforcement at Tema Port. It says tariffs as high as 36.1% are increasing production costs and making locally produced footwear less competitive against imported products.
Association President Gilbert Ntim said rising production costs are putting pressure on local manufacturers, with some factories already forced to close.
The industry has made 2 key demands: lower import tariffs on raw materials and stricter checks on finished synthetic products entering Ghana, particularly from China.
According to Ntim, the current situation is affecting not only manufacturers but also artisans and young people who depend on the leather and footwear sector for employment.
He said the Association could take to the streets if the government’s response does not address the industry’s concerns.
The Association also called for stronger enforcement of existing laws to protect local producers from what it describes as unfair competition from imported products.
It said reducing duties on production inputs and strengthening controls on imported finished goods would help lower manufacturing costs, protect jobs and support the growth of Ghana’s leather and footwear industry.
