Discovering the Top Shoe Companies in Ghana: A Guide to Local Craftsmanship & Global Brands
Ghana’s footwear market is a vibrant landscape, blending rich traditional craftsmanship with modern, socially-conscious manufacturing. From bespoke leather artisans in Accra to large-scale, eco-friendly factories, the nation is home to a diverse array of shoe producers making a significant impact both locally and globally. This guide explores the landscape of footwear brands in Ghana, highlighting the key players, emerging artisans, and the overall state of this dynamic industry.
Pioneering Manufacturers: Scale and Social Impact
Several companies are leading the charge in defining the future of footwear production in Ghana through innovation, scale, and a commitment to social good.
World Shoe
A landmark development in the industry was the 2023 opening of World Shoe’s factory in Akosombo. This Nigerian-led social enterprise established the first-ever EVA footwear factory in Ghana with an ambitious goal to produce five million pairs of shoes annually. Their mission is twofold: to create high-quality, low-cost, antimicrobial, and biodegradable footwear for African and international markets, and to address public health challenges by providing shoes to those in need. The factory has already created over 1,000 jobs, aiming to demonstrate how African innovation can drive development and create global change.
Heel The World
Founded in 2011 by former banker Fred Deegbe, Heel The World is a high-end shoemaking company based in Accra. This brand champions the “Made in Ghana” ethos by producing handcrafted, bespoke shoes. Key to their success is a focus on quality over quantity, targeting niche markets, and using locally sourced materials. Heel The World is also known for its social cause, empowering young entrepreneurs through workshops and training, proving that business can be a force for community development.
Chaste Shoes
Launched in 2014 by Daniel Odonkor, Chaste Shoes was born from a vision to take Ghanaian shoe craftsmanship to the international stage. Starting with seed capital from a sold laptop, Odonkor built his company with a focus on quality and global appeal. He believes that Ghana can produce shoes that rival any in the world, and his journey has been one of resilience and strategic growth, including pursuing a master’s degree in Global Entrepreneurship to build international networks.
Artisanal Excellence & Heritage Brands
Beyond large-scale manufacturing, a number of brands are celebrated for their unique designs that fuse Ghanaian heritage with contemporary style.
- MONAA: Founded by German-born Ghanaian sisters Nana and Afua Dabanka, MONAA is a luxury sandal brand that pays homage to their Ashanti heritage. Their sandals are handcrafted in Ghana by skilled artisans using fine, globally sourced leathers and embellished with African-inspired elements.
- TawiaDesigns: A Ghanaian-American brand, TawiaDesigns is famous for its custom sneakers that incorporate traditional Kente cloth. Handcrafted in Ghana, Kenya, and Morocco, the brand’s mission is to represent Africa’s rich culture while creating sustainable artisanal jobs on the continent.
- Ohema Ohene: Meaning “Queen” and “King” in the Twi language, this brand was founded by British-born designer Abenaa Pokuaa. It masterfully blends British tailoring with West African textiles, sourced directly from Ghana, to create distinctive footwear for both men and women.
The Evolving Landscape of the Shoe Industry in Ghana
The Ghanaian footwear market is a sector of significant economic importance, projected to generate over US$700 million in revenue in 2025. According to industry analysis, the market is driven by a growing middle class and increasing demand for fashionable, high-quality footwear. Non-athletic and leather shoes represent dominant segments.
However, local producers face significant challenges. The Ghana Footwear Manufacturers Association (GAFMA), which represents over 300,000 workers in the value chain, has frequently voiced concerns over the influx of cheap, inferior imported products, particularly from China. They advocate for government policies to protect and support local manufacturing through training, access to modern facilities, and fair market competition. Despite these hurdles, the industry’s deep roots in traditional craftsmanship and the rise of innovative entrepreneurs position it for promising growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who are some of the most notable Ghanaian shoemakers today?
Key players include World Shoe for large-scale social enterprise, Heel The World for high-end bespoke shoes, Chaste Shoes for its global ambitions, and artisanal brands like MONAA and TawiaDesigns for their unique, heritage-inspired designs. - Where is the World Shoe factory located in Ghana?
The World Shoe factory, the first of its kind for EVA footwear in the country, is located in Akosombo, Ghana. - What are the main challenges for shoe manufacturers in Ghana?
The primary challenge is intense competition from cheaper imported footwear, which puts pressure on local manufacturers. The Ghana Footwear Manufacturers Association is actively seeking government support to create a more favorable environment for domestic production. - Is it difficult to find large shoe sizes in Ghana?
Consumers have reported difficulties finding shoe sizes above 45 in many local stores in cities like Accra. This indicates a potential gap in the market for retailers or brands that can cater to customers needing larger sizes.