At its first conference in the Upper West Region, ICU Ghana’s Deputy General Secretary, Ananga Samuel, urged the Ghana Weavers Association (GAWA) to seize the growing demand for Ghanaian smocks. He said the renewed interest in smock clothing offered an opportunity for local weavers to turn their craft into a viable industry.
Mr Ananga highlighted the increasing visibility of smock fabric in Accra and other parts of the country, noting the trend of wearing smocks on Wednesdays as evidence of a robust domestic market. He cautioned that higher demand must be matched with quality products if weavers are to penetrate international markets.
GAWA’s Upper West Chairperson, Pognaa Jane Frances Kpenye, spoke of financial constraints and difficulties accessing production materials. She explained that inadequate working capital often prevented weavers from purchasing yarn and other inputs, and that customers sometimes requested products before payment, further straining finances.
The association is appealing to the government, NGOs and other stakeholders for financial and technical support to expand businesses. Members also called for a dedicated production facility to improve working conditions and increase output.
Mr Ananga said a united GAWA would be better positioned to attract support and encouraged members to share ideas and collaborate on innovative products capable of competing beyond Ghana. He urged discipline and determination as the association works to strengthen its industry over the next four years.
GAWA members also expressed concern over declining interest among young people in learning the weaving trade. They appealed to parents to encourage children to acquire weaving skills, stressing that modern techniques have improved designs and quality, creating opportunities for wider markets.
