Raw material shortages and limited market access are constraining the growth of Ghana’s leather industry, with manufacturers demanding targeted support to expand production and improve competitiveness.
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) says many local manufacturers have the capacity to produce quality leather goods but lack sufficient market exposure to connect with buyers and grow their businesses.
Chairperson of the AGI’s Garment, Textile and Leather Sector, Edwina Assan, said stronger collaboration among industry players and other stakeholders would help local manufacturers tap into new business opportunities.
She noted that Ghanaian manufacturers produce quality leather goods, including footwear for the country’s security services.
However, limited awareness of these products continues to restrict their market reach.
“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.
She was speaking to the media at the AGI headquarters in Accra after an engagement with stakeholders on the challenges and opportunities facing Ghana’s garment, textile and leather industry.
Ms Assan said the AGI is also providing training and helping members participate in trade fairs to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers.
Raw material supply limits local production
Chief Executive Officer of Horseman, Tonyi Senayah, identified raw material supply and production capacity as key challenges facing local footwear manufacturers.
He said Ghana was not yet ready to ban imported footwear because domestic manufacturers lacked the capacity to meet local demand.
“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.
Mr Senayah called for deliberate investment in skills development, stronger business structures and improved market access to help local manufacturers increase output and compete with imported products.
He also proposed sourcing leather from other African countries with stronger production capacity to improve supply and potentially reduce costs.
Market access key to industry expansion
The challenges highlight the need for a coordinated approach to developing Ghana’s leather industry. Reliable access to raw materials is essential for manufacturers seeking to increase output, manage costs and meet quality standards.
At the same time, limited access to buyers can prevent local businesses from translating their production capabilities into sustainable revenue growth.
Better access to institutional procurement, including demand from the security services, could create opportunities for local manufacturers.
However, businesses would need to demonstrate consistent quality, competitive pricing and the ability to fulfil large orders.
Trade fairs, industry training and stronger collaboration could help manufacturers reach new markets. Regional sourcing arrangements could also ease raw material constraints, depending on supply reliability and transport costs.
What these industry players want, is support that addresses both production and market access.
For them, getting the right assistance could help Ghanaian leather manufacturers meet more domestic demand, reduce reliance on imported footwear over time and explore opportunities across the African market.