Belgian environmental activist in Ghana, Erik Blauwet, has called on Ghanaians to prioritize patronizing made in Ghana products as a way of development and growth. Mr. Blauwet made this call when he spoke at the 25th anniversary of TradeAid Integrated, which celebrated its long-standing work in advancing livelihoods, strengthening local enterprises, and promoting resilience among artisans and small-scale producers.
The milestone was marked during this year’s Bolgatanga International Arts and Crafts Festival (BICAF), where partners, stakeholders and international collaborators joined the organisation to reflect on its impact and future direction.
Mr Blauwet urged Ghanaians to help the economy by purchasing goods made in Ghana. “Please, let us buy Made in Ghana and support our own economy,” he said.
In his speech, Mr Blauwet highlighted concerns about the level of local institutional support for such initiatives. He observed that despite the festival’s economic and cultural significance, the expected presence of local leaders was missing. Drawing from experiences in Europe, he noted that similar events elsewhere often attract strong official representation that helps validate the work of artisans and motivates those sustaining the local economy.
“There is something on my heart that I wish to share out of respect for the organizers. I know their efforts. I have been here three times already for this event. At the opening of this arts and crafts festival, I was struck by the absence of local dignitaries. In my country, Belgium, we had an Africa week. The mayor and the other men of Bruges, a middle-aged city, even in the capital of a province, were present at the official opening. They visited every stand, spoke with the exhibitors and praised the organizers and the artisans, those who keep the economy alive. And here, who feeds the poverty. It pains me not to see such a recognition here.”
He stressed that recognition and appreciation from leadership play a crucial role in driving growth, improving employment and strengthening regional development. According to him, the absence of such acknowledgment risks slowing the progress needed to expand economic opportunities and reduce poverty in the region.
Beyond governance issues, Mr Blauwet also shifted focus to environmental responsibility. He appealed to participants and the wider community to reduce their dependence on disposable plastics (polythene), which he described as a growing threat to Ghana’s environment. He encouraged buyers to avoid accepting unnecessary plastic bags—especially when purchasing already packaged goods—and to opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. He explained that small daily decisions, such as refusing disposable bags, can significantly reduce the volume of plastic waste accumulating across the country.
“This morning, I bought soap, and the lady immediately took a disposal. And you call it a rubber, I think. But I don’t need it. I can put it in my backpack. Please, please, refuse this all the time. I beg you. And you can see on my banner the word “reduce.” By refusing the disposal bag all the time, we can decrease the plastic mountain in Ghana.”
He further urged proper waste management practices, emphasizing the need to separate plastic bottles, cans, and sachets instead of mixing all waste materials together. He warned that combining recyclable items in a single container lowers their value and undermines recycling efforts.
“I want to emphasize that plastic bottles, cans, and sachets must be collected separately, not mixed, not thrown together, not wasted. Because when everything is thrown into one container, as I see it a lot, value is destroyed,” he said.
TradeAid Integrated’s anniversary celebration reaffirmed its commitment to local economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and continued transformation of livelihoods. The organisation expressed optimism that stronger community engagement, improved public support, and increased environmental consciousness will shape the next phase of its work.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1Mhz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
