The Kumasi Shoe Factory in Ghana is struggling to reach its operational capacity because state security agencies are choosing to import footwear rather than purchase from the local factory, according to Board Chair Dr. Karl Laryea. Despite a directive from the government issued last year urging these agencies to stop their imports and buy from the factory, compliance has been lacking. Dr. Laryea mentioned that the factory has reached out on multiple occasions to these agencies without receiving any responses, highlighting a concerning disconnect between governmental intentions and operational realities.

The Board Chair emphasized that the local factory has the capability to meet the footwear needs of the security agencies, which would not only support local manufacturing but also align with the government's broader economic strategy. The continuing reliance on imports—which come from countries such as India, China, and the United Kingdom—poses a direct threat to the government's initiative to introduce a 24-hour economy. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the government's directives and the commitment of public institutions to supporting domestic industries.

The ongoing challenges faced by the Kumasi Shoe Factory illustrate a significant issue within Ghana's economy, where local producers are frequently sidelined in favor of imported goods. The lack of response from state agencies indicates potential bureaucratic inertia or indifference that could undermine local production and job creation efforts. If these trends continue, they could lessen the chances of economic revitalization through initiatives centered on local sourcing and manufacturing, ultimately impacting the broader economic landscape of the country.