Ghana’s leather sector is struggling to expand, with local manufacturers citing raw material shortages and limited market access as key barriers to growth. The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) says many firms can produce quality leather goods but lack sufficient exposure to connect with buyers and scale their operations.
Edwina Assan, chairperson of AGI’s Garment, Textile and Leather Sector, urged stronger collaboration among industry players and stakeholders to tap new business opportunities. She highlighted that Ghanaian manufacturers produce quality footwear for the country’s security services, yet limited awareness of these products curtails 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 security agencies.
At the AGI headquarters in Accra, Assan noted that the organisation is providing training and helping members participate in trade fairs to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers.
Chief Executive Officer of Horseman, Tonyi Senayah, identified raw material supply and production capacity as key challenges for 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. 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.
The challenges underscore 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 if they can 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, while regional sourcing arrangements could 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, enabling Ghanaian leather manufacturers to meet more domestic demand, reduce reliance on imported footwear over time and explore opportunities across the African market.
