The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association (GLFMA) has issued a final notice to the government, threatening nationwide street demonstrations over unchecked influx of cheap imported footwear and the failure of state agencies to enforce protections for local manufacturers.
The association says its members have given government seven working days since submitting a petition to Parliament, but have yet to receive a concrete action plan or enforcement timeline to address the challenges confronting local footwear producers.
According to the GLFMA, the situation is contributing to the collapse of local workshops and threatening the livelihoods of artisans and manufacturers in Accra, Kumasi and other regional centres.
The association is therefore demanding the immediate enforcement of the law to prevent foreign retail traders from operating illegally in local footwear markets.
It is also calling for rigorous customs audits and valuation, arguing that under-invoicing and under-declaration of imported finished footwear are putting local manufacturers at a disadvantage.
The GLFMA is further demanding a mandatory policy requiring public schools across the country to source 100% of their uniform footwear and sandals from Ghanaian manufacturers.
The association wants government to also lead a national “Wear Made-in-Ghana Footwear” campaign to encourage consumers to patronise locally manufactured footwear and support jobs within the industry.
It is additionally calling for formal engagement with Parliament’s Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism to establish a clear roadmap for enforcement.
President of the GLFMA, Gilbert Akwasi Ntim, said the association had exercised patience and engaged relevant state institutions, but warned that continued inaction could force its members onto the streets.
“We believe in the rule of law and respect the mandate of state institutions, but we cannot sit idle while our livelihoods are destroyed,” he said.
Mr Ntim said if concrete enforcement measures were not implemented immediately, the association would mobilise its members for demonstrations in Accra and Kumasi and return to Parliament to press its demands.
The GLFMA has subsequently called on leather workers, shoe manufacturers, traders and other stakeholders in the sector across the 16 regions to remain united and await further directives on the planned action.
