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Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are central to Ghana’s footwear industry, yet concerns about inconsistent product quality continue to constrain their growth and competitiveness. This study investigates how quality control (QC) practices shape product outcomes and consumer perceptions in Kumasi and Accra. A case study design was adopted, guided by Total Quality Management (TQM), Garvin’s Eight Dimensions of Quality, and the PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) framework. Instruments included (i) an observation checklist of footwear production processes, (ii) semi-structured interviews with seven footwear producers, and (iii) a consumer survey employing a 7-point Likert scale to measure perceived quality. Validation procedures involved expert review, pilot testing, Cronbach’s alpha for reliability, exploratory factor analysis, and inter-rater agreement for qualitative data. Data analysis combined descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, and regression modelling. Findings indicate that while Ghanaian producers demonstrate creativity and craftsmanship, critical gaps exist in material inspection, finishing, durability testing, and systematic defect tracking. Consumer evaluations highlighted comfort, durability, and finishing as the most influential quality dimensions, aligning with observed QC deficiencies. Piloting the PDCA cycle with selected producers further demonstrated its potential to reduce defects and standardize processes. The study contributes theoretically by contextualizing established quality management frameworks within Ghana’s footwear sector, and practically by offering structured QC strategies SMEs can adopt to enhance product quality and consumer trust. Recommendations emphasize structured QC frameworks, consumer feedback integration, and continuous improvement practices to strengthen the Made-in-Ghana footwear quality and enhance its competitiveness in domestic and regional markets.

Keywords: Quality control, Made-in-Ghana footwear, TQM, Garvin’s quality dimensions, PDCA