The Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union (ICU) of Ghana has urged the country's weavers, leather workers, and basket producers to adopt modern technology and improved production standards to compete in local and international markets. General Secretary of ICU-Ghana, Brother Morgan Ayawine, made the call at the first national conference of the Ghana Association of Weavers and Leather Workers (GHAWAL) held in the Upper West Region. The conference aimed to empower artisans for national growth.
According to Mr Ayawine, the growing popularity of smock fabrics presents a significant opportunity for artisans to increase production, diversify their products, and tap into international markets. Smock weaving, traditionally associated with northern Ghana's cultural traditions, has gained wider national and international recognition in recent years. The material is increasingly being used to produce fashionable clothing, including gowns, frocks, skirts, and tops.
Mr Ayawine cited a recent fashion display by contestants of Ghana's Most Beautiful on TV3 as an example of the changing perception and use of smock fabrics. He expressed his amazement at the wide variety of brands, colours, and styles into which smock material had been transformed. This development is evidence of the growing acceptance of smock fabrics in Ghana.
The ICU General Secretary urged producers to position themselves for mass production and develop products for both domestic and international markets. He encouraged the Ghana Association of Weavers and Leather Workers to attract investment and government support for the formalisation, modernisation, and expansion of the weaving and related clothing industries.
Mr Ayawine also suggested that the association explore export opportunities under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) while working with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority to ensure products meet international standards. He emphasised the need for artisans to improve product quality, packaging, branding, marketing, and access to finance.
Leather workers and basket producers also have significant opportunities to expand their businesses, according to Mr Ayawine. He cited the quality and creativity demonstrated in the production of shoes, bags, and other leather products, as well as locally made baskets. A deliberate effort to improve product quality and equip artisans with technical and entrepreneurial skills is required.
The ICU's call for modernisation aims to help Ghanaian artisans derive greater economic benefits from their work. By increasing production, improving quality, and expanding markets, artisans and their communities can benefit economically. The modernisation of these industries can also contribute to Ghana's national growth.
Key points
- The ICU urges Ghanaian artisans to adopt modern technology to compete in global markets.
- Smock fabrics are increasingly being used to produce fashionable clothing.
- Artisans are encouraged to explore export opportunities under AGOA.
