The Executive Director of Blessing Basket Project, a social enterprise based in the Nyariga Community in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, Abdulai Asuah has noted that basket business is booming, therefore, artisans must strive to meet the high demands for baskets abroad.
Executive Director, Blessing Basket Project, Abdulai Asuah
He spoke at the maiden awards ceremony which was held at Noyine Women Craft Centre in Awaa.
According to Abdulai Asuah, despite the damning effects the COVID-19 Pandemic has had on businesses across the globe, the demand for baskets has continued to surge, thus there is a gaping hole between the quantities demanded and the baskets available for the supply. Mr. Asuah said the current demand could only be met if weavers double their efforts and produce more.
“Basket weaving is a hot cake in the developed countries, there are so many countries that have not even seen a Basket. So there is an opportunity for the basket weavers to explore” he said.
He further encouraged the government to see the potential within the basket-weaving business circle, create an enabling environment and provide the necessary support to the weavers. He proposed the use of the government’s One District One Factory one of the many ways government can support the basket weavers. Mr. Asuah said the production of baskets in the Northern parts will help generate more revenue for Government.
Abdulai Asuah noted that Baskets weaving is one of the many businesses that have the potential of bridging the poverty gap between the northern and southern parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the Blessing Basket Project, crowned Anafo Atanga as the Best Artisan Entrepreneur of the year at its maiden award ceremony organised in the Awaa Community.
Mrs Atanga who is the leader of the Noyine Women Group, a group focused on weaving traditional baskets, was awarded with a cheque for the amount of ghc1,583 cheque. She was also given a sheep as part of the package. The award scheme was instituted by the Blessing Basket Project to motivate other women to work harder.
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