An Italian expert in shoemaking has been in Ghana offering a 5-day practical training course on shoe making for staff of Horseman Shoes – makers of President John Dramani Mahama’s shoes – among other participants.

The expert from ModaPelle Academy in Milan, Italy trained the participants, among whom were leather work students from the Department of Integral Rural Art and Industry of Kwame Nkrumah Science and Technology (KNUST) and small-scale shoemakers, in modern trends of shoemaking.

The training was to improve the craftsmanship of local artisans as well as equip them with knowledge on design.

It was under the auspices of Horseman Shoes with support from the Skill Development Fund under the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET).

Chief Executive Officer of Horseman Shoes Tonyi Senayah said the training was in line with his organization’s commitment to manufacture international standard shoes locally.

“We are committed to producing products and building a brand that is world class in pursuance of our vision to create employment and also become the most preferred brand,” Mr Senayah said.

“We recognize the need to upgrade our skills and build capacity which includes the skill development of the artisans among others.”

He noted that the training has been an eye opener.

“We have learnt entirely different ways of making shoes right from making the patterns to the finishing. Within the next few months when our next collection is out-doored, it will be entirely different from what we have been doing. Customers should expect more enhanced features in quality, design and comfort. We are more inspired by this training and we feel more confident to get onto the world market.”

Facilitator Roberto Gussoni was impressed with the success chalked by Horseman Shoes over the years especially considering the circumstances under which they make their shoes.

He was happy to be part of the process “of harnessing the great opportunity that exists here in Ghana and across Africa for quality indigenous brands like Horseman with practical skills training”.

Godfred Nkrumah, a participant, said: “The training has been insightful but I think we needed more time with the trainer and a lot of practice on our own especially with the pattern making. We have learnt a lot of technical and scientific ways in making shoes”.

Another, Phoebe Owusu Ansah, a student of KNUST, said: “We are grateful to Horseman Shoes for giving us such an opportunity. I wish every leather student would get the opportunity to go through this program”.

Each participant will receive a diploma certificate in Shoe Construction by the ModaPelle Academy of Italy.