German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, has expressed concern over Ghanaians’ reluctance to embrace the use of traditional baskets despite their environmental benefits and growing popularity globally.
Speaking during his visit to the Sherigu community in the Upper East Region — a renowned hub for basket weaving — the ambassador highlighted the irony of many Ghanaians laughing at him when he uses locally made baskets, even as plastic pollution continues to choke gutters and fuel flooding in the country.
“I think the funny thing is that these baskets are very popular in many places in the world, but not in Ghana,” Ambassador Krull said. “I have my baskets in Accra, and if I go to the tennis court and use my basket, Ghanaians are laughing at me. They ask, ‘Are you going to the market?’ They think it is funny that I use these baskets.”
The ambassador, an advocate for sustainability and eco-friendly alternatives, contrasted Ghana’s apathy with global trends where natural, biodegradable products are gaining favor. “For them, it is not fashionable. For me, it is. I love these baskets. I love the material. It is natural, degradable, and will not last for 150 years in nature like plastic does after its usage,” he added.
Mr. Krull emphasized that in countries like Germany, consumers now pay for plastic bags in supermarkets to discourage their use, while Ghanaians continue to receive them in excess, contributing to widespread litter and environmental degradation. “Here, if you go to a supermarket in Ghana, they throw plastic bags at you. And then everybody is surprised that you find these plastic bags all over the place,” he said.
The ambassador believes that Ghana is missing a significant opportunity not just for environmental reform, but also for economic growth. He sees basket weaving as a sustainable, labor-intensive craft that could create jobs, promote cultural pride, and meet international demand for eco-conscious products.
“What is nicer and better than a basket?” he asked. “It has become very popular to have such a basket like those produced here. I do not see this trend reversing anytime soon, so I strongly believe that there is an interesting market opportunity here.”
He further noted that beyond baskets, the weaving craft could expand into other areas such as home décor and lighting design, creating broader market prospects.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Sherigu
