The Ghana Handwoven Artisans and Weavers Association (GHAWAL) has elected its maiden Upper West Regional executives, with a call for unity, quality production and institutional support to strengthen the hand woven industry.
The executives were elected at the association’s first Upper West Regional Delegates Conference held in Wa, which brought together weavers and selected queen mothers to deliberate on the future of the association, its challenges and opportunities.
The Deputy General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) in charge of Operations, Mr Samuel Ananga Ayagiba, said democratic principles should guide the leadership and operations of the association.
He said members must be given the opportunity to choose their leaders transparently and work together to advance their collective interests.
Mr Ayagiba said the formation of the regional structure would enable members to share ideas, mobilise support from government and other stakeholders and develop their products for both local and international markets.
He identified the growing popularity of smock clothing beyond northern Ghana as an opportunity for weavers to expand production and explore foreign markets.
He, however, stressed that such expansion must be supported by quality production.
“You must make sure that quality is number one,” he advised.
Mr Ayagiba also identified access to finance as a major challenge for the relatively new association, saying the fundraising activities at the conference demonstrated the need for sustained financial support.
The queen mothers urged members to preserve the cultural value of smock weaving while embracing creativity and modern designs to meet changing fashion trends.
They said smock production had helped equip some young women with practical skills and alternative career opportunities, particularly through weaving.
The weavers also appealed for assistance with working capital, weaving materials and equipment to improve production.
They said some customers commissioned products without making advance payments, making it difficult for producers to purchase thread and other materials required to complete orders.
The artisans further called for opportunities to upgrade their technical skills, noting that modern weaving had evolved significantly and the quality of locally produced smocks had improved over the years.
They expressed the hope that government, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders would support the association to establish or access facilities to enhance production.
At the end of the election, Kpiebaya Dinye Paula was elected the first Upper West Regional President of GHAWAL.
Other elected executives were Abdul Jalilu Idrissu, Vice President; Saakubaro Samuel, Secretary; Berty Donkor, Vice Secretary; Ann Nongninyeme Dakura, Women’s Representative; Kalnya Veronica, First Trustee; Yikpeete Mary Magdalene, Second Trustee; and Pius Domokyelle Bayuo, Youth Representative.
Mr Ayagiba urged the new leadership to remain disciplined and committed as it worked to build a strong and sustainable association.
FROM NAZIRU ALHASAN, WA
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