Ghana Footwear Manufacturers Association urges government to curb importation of Chinese sandals
The Ghana Footwear Manufacturers Association has appealed to the government to take urgent steps to curb the surge of Chinese sandals into the country.
According to the association, the importation of cheap, low-quality footwear is severely affecting the local shoe manufacturing industry and threatening the livelihoods of Ghanaian artisans.
Speaking at the association’s 5th Anniversary celebration held at Asafo in Kumasi on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Chairman and CEO of Blessing shower gel, Mr. Kingsley Gyamfi, expressed concern over the increasing preference for imported Chinese sandals, which he described as “cheap but not durable.”
He noted that despite the superior quality and durability of locally made footwear, unfair competition from inexpensive imports has resulted in significant financial losses for local manufacturers.
In an interview with OTEC FM’s news reporter, Maame Akosuah Gyamfuaa Sundae, some executives of the association revealed that many of their businesses are collapsing, workers are leaving, and their investments are going to waste.
They explained that due to the affordability of the low quality imported products, many Ghanaians opt for them, ignoring the more durable but slightly more expensive locally made shoes.
The association further appealed to the government to take a firm stand against such imports and to invest in the local footwear industry to help revive the sector, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Elizabeth Gyamfua Fosu
