GLFMA Petitions Parliament Over Imports Threatening Ghana’s Footwear Industry

GLFMA President Gilbert Akwasi Ntim


               Story by Azaglo Michael 


ACCRA, Ghana — The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association (GLFMA) has officially submitted a petition to Parliament, warning that the unchecked influx of cheap Chinese footwear imports and non-compliant foreign retail trade are pushing the country's domestic leather industry to the brink of collapse.


Addressing journalists at Parliament House, GLFMA President Gilbert Akwasi Ntim stated that thousands of local manufacturers, leather tanners, and young artisans across major hubs like Accra and Kumasi are facing severe economic hardship.


According to Ntim, the crisis is compounded by foreign traders openly violating local retail trade laws, alongside a lack of enforcement regarding import duties on finished leather goods versus raw materials.


"Ghanaian leather shoe manufacturing is on the verge of total collapse," Ntim warned, noting that months of direct engagements with sector ministries, regulatory agencies, and customs authorities have yielded no concrete results.


The association is urging the Speaker of Parliament and President John Dramani Mahama to intervene immediately by enforcing strict regulatory oversight and curtailing illegal foreign retail activities in protected local markets.


Ntim cautioned that if state authorities fail to take decisive action to safeguard the livelihoods of young artisans and protect the local industry, the association will organize nationwide street demonstrations across the capital.

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