Kumasi Shoe Factory is set to produce ladies wear and customised shoes for people with diabetes.

The move by DIHOC Footwear Division which is a joint venture between the Ghana Armed Forces and a Czech company, Knights is part of plans to diversify its production.

The Board Chairman of DIHOC Footwear Division Limited (Kumasi Shoe Factory), Dr Karl Laryea disclosed this at the official opening of the showroom in Accra.

He explained that the specialised footwear for people diagnosed with diabetes is to help them heal faster.

Dr Laryea said such footwear was not on the Ghanaian market, and that was why DIHOC Footwear Division intended to take advantage and produce for Ghana and beyond.

He indicated that the factory which used to produce safety and security boots and shoes for the uniformed security agencies, was now manufacturing to cover the demands of the general public.

“We were only manufacturing security boots and safety shoes for the security agencies as well as the construction industry but this year we have introduced fashionable shoes,” he said.

Dr. Laryea also revealed plans to expand their operations to other African countries to take advantage Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He cited how the company had started discussions with the Police Service of Angola to supply boots and shoes as an example.

“We have also made contact with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat on how to enter into other African markets, and the discussions look positive,” he stated.

He said the DIHOC Footwear Division had built capacity with the right machinery to produce quality shoes to meet demand in the market.

“We have all the machines used in Asia, Europe and America to produce quality shoes with international standards for the market,” Dr Laryea added.