The Chief Executive Officer of Horseman Shoes, Tonyi Senayah, has said that Ghana is not yet ready to ban imported footwear because local manufacturers lack the capacity to meet domestic demand.

According to him, the country must first address raw material shortages, improve production capacity and provide stronger support for local footwear businesses before considering measures to restrict imports.

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Speaking during an engagement with stakeholders in Accra on Monday October 12, 2026, Senayah called for investment in skills development, stronger business structures and better access to markets to help local manufacturers compete with foreign products.

“What we are advocating for is that we start building the capacity of players or enterprises in the footwear and the leather space,” he said.

His comments come as the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) raises concerns about the challenges facing local leather manufacturers, including limited access to raw materials and difficulties reaching potential buyers.

Chairperson of the AGI’s Garment, Textile and Leather Sector, Edwina Assan, said Ghanaian manufacturers were capable of producing quality leather goods, including footwear for the country’s security services, but many businesses needed greater exposure to expand their markets.

“We are looking at collaborating with everybody, making sure that everybody is on board to be able to be part of this project,” she said, referring to efforts to support local production of uniforms and other items for the security agencies.

Assan said the AGI was also providing training and helping members participate in trade fairs to display their products and connect with potential buyers.

Tonyi Senayah further proposed that local manufacturers explore sourcing leather from other African countries with stronger production capacity to improve the availability of raw materials and potentially reduce costs.

The industry players believe that improved access to raw materials, training and buyers would help local businesses increase production, meet more domestic demand and compete more effectively with imported footwear.

ANAS

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