Dr. Karl Laryea
THE KUMASI Shoe Factory has begun the mass production of fashionable shoes as part of its effort to satisfy local demand and reduce the influx of foreign-made shoes on the market.
The shoe factory, which has over years been producing safety and security boats and shoes for the uniformed security agencies, has now expanded its production to cover the specification, design and tastes of the general public, especially, the fashion industry.
The Kumasi Shoe Factory, also known as the DIHOC Footwear Division, is a joint venture company between a Czech Republic-based company, Knights A.S., acting through its subsidiary, Knight Ghana Limited, and DIHOC Holding Company, owned by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia showcased products of the company in Burma Camp Monday, in Accra, as part of the inauguration of the Defence Industries Holding Company (DIHOC) Ltd, and sod cutting ceremony for various projects.
Dr. Bawumia, in an address, said government was keen on creating an enabling environment for businesses to partner government in various development projects. He mentioned that the collaboration venture between GAF and the private sector is crucial in Ghana’s quest to enhance it economy, adding that such partnerships are key for national development.
Urging the business community to go into more collaboration with the GAF, the Vice President said he was impressed with DIHOC Footwear, and commended GAF for its effort to make their product more viable.
Speaking in an interview, Board Chairman of DIHOC Footwear Division, Dr. Karl Laryea, said the company “is now in the position to produce all category of shoes, designed to satisfy the preference and exact taste of the general public.”
He said over the years, investment had been made in the acquisition of modern equipment that could be used to produce the same categories of shoes been designed by celebrated designer brands in the world.
“DIHOC Footwear Division Limited can now produce shoes for corporate events, which can be worn at weddings, executive meetings and any other occasions,” Dr. Laryea said.
He said the company was in the process of producing large quantities of its new classic shoes to cover the West African sub-region, especially now that African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is in operation, with its head office located in Ghana.
Dr. Laryea mentioned that if government could revive the policy of Achimota school sandals, which was initiated in 2014 as part of effort to empower the Kumasi Shoe Factory to supply sandals to all schools, the company would be in the position to triple its production and workforce.
“If the security agencies, which include the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Fire Service, the Customs Service and the GAF, with a total of approximately 100,000 personnel, demand for more products, employee numbers will shoot from 200 to 800 within 5 years,” Dr. Laryea said.
Additionally, he called on government to grant tax waivers on imported raw materials for five years period, spanning 2023 to 2028.