A 24-year-old shoemaker from the Sefwi Juaboso District in the Western North Region, Mr. Alex Opoku, is appealing for financial support to expand his growing footwear business. Despite living with a physical disability, Mr. Opoku has defied the odds by learning shoemaking through an apprenticeship.
Mr. Opoku, who lives with kyphosis, a condition affecting his spine, has shown resilience and determination in pursuing a craft many would have given up on. He specializes in producing high-quality male and female slippers suitable for both office and home wear. His products, he says, have been well received by customers who admire his creativity and workmanship.
However, financial challenges have slowed his progress. At the moment, Mr. Opoku can only produce about 20 pairs of slippers at a time due to limited funds for raw materials. According to him, the demand for his products is much higher, but the lack of capital makes it difficult to meet the needs of his customers.
“I am passionate about my work, but without financial support, it is not moving as I want it to,” he explained. “What I need most is capital to buy more materials so I can increase production and meet the market demand.”
Mr. Opoku estimates that he will need about 7,000 Ghana cedis to properly sustain and expand his shoemaking business. With this amount, he hopes to purchase raw materials in bulk and also improve his production capacity, enabling him to create more pairs of slippers and possibly employ others in the future.
He also extended an invitation to potential investors who may be interested in supporting him financially, noting that he is open to working on a profit-sharing basis. According to him, such a partnership would not only help him grow his business but also create a lasting impact in his community.
Mr. Opoku’s story is one of determination and perseverance. Despite the challenges of living with a disability, he remains committed to his craft and is hopeful that with the right support, his shoemaking business can thrive and serve as an inspiration to other young people in the Western North Region and beyond.
