Ghanaian locally manufactured footwear brand Mr. Simon Classic Footwear is positioning itself for expansion into the international market, with its Chief Executive Officer, Simon Quayson, envisioning a major manufacturing operation that could create employment opportunities for thousands of young people.

Based in Lartebiokorshie in Accra, the brand currently specialises in men’s footwear and is seeking to grow from a local footwear business into a recognised Ghanaian brand with a presence beyond the country.

Speaking about his vision for the company, Simon Quayson said Ghana has the raw materials and potential needed to become a major hub for quality shoe manufacturing, adding that his long term ambition is to take the brand to the international market.

According to him, the growth of Ghana’s footwear industry should not only be about selling locally made shoes but also developing the capacity to manufacture at scale and compete in international markets.

His vision is partly inspired by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and the industrial development agenda associated with his administration, including the establishment of shoe manufacturing factories in Ghana.

Simon Quayson believes that the country can once again build a stronger footwear manufacturing industry by investing in local production, developing skills and creating opportunities for young people.

For Mr. Simon Classic Footwear, the immediate focus is on strengthening the brand, improving its reach and establishing itself as a competitive local footwear manufacturer. However, the long term plan goes beyond the current operation.

The ultimate ambition is to establish a large scale shoe manufacturing factory capable of employing thousands of young people. Such a facility, he believes, could help create jobs while giving more young Ghanaians the opportunity to develop careers and skills within the manufacturing sector.

The vision also reflects a broader push to demonstrate the potential of Ghanaian made products. By combining local resources, craftsmanship, branding and modern manufacturing, Mr. Simon Classic Footwear hopes to build a company that can serve both the Ghanaian market and customers abroad.

The journey is still at an early stage, but the ambition is significant. What currently operates as a locally manufactured men’s footwear brand in Lartebiokorshie is being developed with a much bigger destination in mind: an internationally recognised Ghanaian footwear company supported by large scale local production and capable of creating employment for thousands.

Mr. Simon Classic Footwear can be contacted on 0592750461 for enquiries and orders.