The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) has called on members of the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA) to turn their skills and creativity into sustainable businesses that can create wealth and employment. This was stated by ICU-Ghana General Secretary, Brother Morgan Ayawine, in a keynote address at the GHABA Hair and Beauty Festival 2026. The festival, held at the University of Ghana, Legon, had the theme “Transforming the Beauty Industry Through Skills, Creativity and Enterprise Development.”
Mr. Ayawine’s address, read on his behalf by Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Benimah, emphasized the importance of transforming professional skills into viable enterprises. He encouraged GHABA members to move beyond acquiring skills and turn their expertise into sustainable businesses that can create wealth and opportunities for themselves, their families, and future generations. The ICU-Ghana General Secretary noted that the beauty industry provides opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment.
Mr. Ayawine highlighted the longstanding relationship between ICU-Ghana and GHABA, dating back to the association’s formative years in the 1970s. ICU-Ghana has supported GHABA’s development over the years, including providing opportunities for its trainers to benefit from international cosmetology training and exposure. This experience has enabled trainers to pass on valuable knowledge, skills, and international best practices to their trainees.
The ICU-Ghana General Secretary advised GHABA members who wish to establish businesses to start modestly, acquire basic equipment, and gradually expand their operations as their customer base and income grow. He also encouraged members to explore legitimate sources of financing, including personal savings, family support, banks, and microfinance institutions. According to him, determination, discipline, honesty, good customer service, and proper management are essential to building successful enterprises.
Mr. Ayawine urged participants to use the festival to network, attract potential customers, exchange contacts, and promote their services. The ultimate goal, he said, should be to transform professional skills into opportunities, creativity into value, and enterprises into sustainable sources of income, employment, and wealth. He wished GHABA members a successful and productive festival and reaffirmed ICU-Ghana’s commitment to its longstanding relationship with the association.
The GHABA Hair and Beauty Festival 2026 aims to provide a platform for members to showcase their skills, network, and promote their services. The festival also seeks to promote skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment in the beauty industry. ICU-Ghana’s support for GHABA is a testament to the union’s commitment to empowering its members and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The call by ICU-Ghana to GHABA members to turn their skills into sustainable businesses is a timely one, particularly as the beauty industry continues to grow and provide opportunities for skills development and entrepreneurship. With the right support and resources, GHABA members can establish successful businesses that create wealth and employment opportunities for themselves and others.
Key points
- ICU-Ghana urges GHABA members to transform skills into viable enterprises
- The beauty industry provides opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment
- ICU-Ghana has a longstanding relationship with GHABA, dating back to the 1970s
