Prevalence of Counterfeit Fashion Goods in a West African Country: Crime in Perspective

ABSTRACT

This study explores the prevalence of counterfeit fashion goods in a West African country within the context of crime, focusing on the perspectives of producers, distributors, and consumers. Drawing on rational choice theory, the research aims to understand the awareness, motivations and decision-making processes behind the production, distribution, and consumption of counterfeit fashion items in Ghana. A qualitative research approach was adopted, utilizing snowball sampling to gather data from eight producers, eight distributors, and 25 consumers of counterfeit fashion goods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants’ awareness, perceptions, rational decisions and behaviors regarding counterfeit fashion goods. The findings underscore the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and public education initiatives to combat the proliferation of counterfeit fashion goods in Ghana, West Africa. Recommendations include implementing stricter laws and enforcement mechanisms, enhancing consumer awareness about the risks associated with counterfeit products, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address this complex issue effectively.

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to all participants, including individuals from various sectors of the economy, who made themselves available for several interviews and discussions and Kofi Nunoo a national service personnel at the Centre for Languages and Liberal Studies, Takoradi Technical University for his constant academic support services.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lillian Lamptey

Lillian Lamptey holds Bachelor and Master degrees in clothing and textiles from the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. She is a currently a Lecturer with Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Her research interests are into inclusive apparel (designing garments for individuals with unique figures and constructional challenges), fashion technology and pattern development.

Ronald Osei Mensah

Ronald Osei Mensah is a Lecturer with the Social Development Section, Takoradi Technical University, and a Doctoral Researcher at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. His research interests are Criminal Justice Education, Cultural Deviance, Penology, Sociology of Education, Media Studies, and African History. He has more than fifty (50) referred publications to his credit.

Vivian Korankye

Vivian Korankye is a Lecturer with the Fashion Department of the Takoradi Technical University, Ghana under the Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology. She is a PhD Candidate at the Kwame Nkrumah of Science and Technology with the Industrial Arts Department. Her research interests are fashion design approaches, cultural diplomacy, cross cultural understanding, sustainability in fashion industry and design thinking and innovation.