Ghana leather manufacturers demand lower tariffs, threaten demonstration over high costs

Speaking to the media after submitting the petition to the Clerk of Parliament, President of the Association, Gilbert Ntim, said the high cost of production is crippling the local leather and footwear industry, with some factories being forced to shut down.

The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association has threatened to hit the streets if the government fails to reduce import duties on raw materials used by local manufacturers.

It says the measures are necessary to reduce production costs, protect local manufacturers, safeguard jobs and ensure the survival and growth of Ghana’s leather and footwear industry.