The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana), Morgan Ayawine, has urged members of the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA) to turn their skills and creativity into sustainable businesses. Speaking at the GHABA Hair Festival 2026, held at the University of Ghana, Legon, Ayawine emphasized that enterprise development is crucial for economic empowerment, particularly for skilled young people. He encouraged GHABA members to move beyond acquiring technical skills and focus on building businesses around their expertise.
Ayawine highlighted the significant opportunities for entrepreneurship in the beauty and hair industry, noting that practitioners do not require huge amounts of capital to start their own businesses. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to begin on a modest scale by securing a small space, acquiring basic equipment, and engaging apprentices if necessary. With commitment, good customer service, creativity, and proper management, small businesses can gradually develop into successful enterprises.
The ICU-Ghana General Secretary also acknowledged the longstanding relationship between ICU-Ghana and GHABA, dating back to the association's formative years in the 1970s. ICU-Ghana has supported GHABA through its development, providing opportunities for GHABA trainers to benefit from international cosmetology training and exposure. This support has helped trainers acquire knowledge, skills, and best practices, which they have passed on to their trainees.
The 2026 GHABA Hair Festival is being held under the theme: “Transforming the Beauty Industry Through Skills, Creativity, and Enterprise Development.” Ayawine described the theme as timely and relevant, stressing that enterprise development can provide skilled professionals with an avenue to achieve economic independence while creating employment opportunities for others.
Ayawine encouraged participants to use the festival as a platform to showcase their craftsmanship, creativity, and professionalism, and attract potential clients. He urged GHABA members to network with guests and participants, exchange contacts, and encourage referrals to expand their customer base. Maintaining high professional standards is also crucial to inspire confidence among potential clients and encourage repeat patronage.
Addressing concerns about access to capital, Ayawine suggested that entrepreneurs could explore legitimate sources of funding, including support from family and friends, microfinance institutions, banks, and personal savings. By starting small and growing gradually, GHABA members can build successful businesses that create wealth and employment opportunities.
The festival provides a platform for GHABA members to display their talents, creativity, and expertise in beauty and hair care. Ayawine expressed his delight in seeing graduates and members of GHABA gathered at the festival, showcasing the knowledge and skills they have acquired through training and mentorship. The event is a testament to the growth and development of GHABA, made possible through the support of ICU-Ghana and the commitment of its members.
Key points
- ICU-Ghana's General Secretary, Morgan Ayawine, urges GHABA members to transform their skills and creativity into sustainable businesses.
- The beauty and hair industry offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurship, requiring little capital to start.
- The 2026 GHABA Hair Festival focuses on "Transforming the Beauty Industry Through Skills, Creativity, and Enterprise Development."
