The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has announced the launch of the Bolgatanga Craft Value Chain Development and Resilience Project (BOCRADEP), an initiative aimed at revitalising the constituency’s craft industry, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods.
According to a press statement signed by the NDC Communication Officer for Bolgatanga Central, Job Aboyom, the project seeks to modernise the craft value chain by addressing longstanding challenges confronting artisans, including inadequate raw materials, limited market access, poor infrastructure, and declining youth participation.
The initiative targets about 15,000 artisans, with a strong emphasis on empowering women and persons living with disabilities.
As part of the project, the statement indicated that 20 community craft centres will be established across the constituency to improve production capacity and enhance product quality. The beneficiary communities include Nyorkoko, Kalbeo, Kumbligo, Dorongo, Tanzue/Sokabis/Zorbisi, Yekine, Kulbia, Kolgo/Agusi, Azoribisi, Amogrebisi, Nyariga, Zaare West, Zaare East, Yorogo Tingre, Yorogo, Soe/Yipala, Tindonsobligo, Tindonmolgo, Dazongo, and Atansobgo.
Beyond increasing production, BOCRADEP will facilitate partnerships with market off-takers to expand local and international market opportunities for Bolgatanga’s renowned baskets, smocks, leather products, and textiles.
The project also aims to establish reliable straw and raw material supply chains to ensure artisans have consistent access to production materials.
In addition, the statement added that seed funding will be provided to support each of the craft villages established under the programme.
As part of efforts to promote the local craft industry, the project will work with industry players to organise the Bolgatanga International Craft and Arts Festival while championing a nationwide “Use Bolga Basket and Smocks” campaign to encourage the patronage of locally produced craft products.
According to the statement, BOCRADEP is expected to stimulate job creation, reduce poverty, promote gender inclusion, and strengthen sustainable craft production by positioning Bolgatanga as Ghana’s leading craft hub.
The initiative is also aligned with the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS), the Made-in-Ghana Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking during the launch of the Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods (PEARL) programme in the Upper East Region, Mr. Adongo said the project is intended to transform local creativity into globally competitive enterprises.
“This initiative is not just about crafts, but about transforming local creativity into global competitiveness, empowering communities, and celebrating Ghana’s rich cultural heritage,” he said.
The Bolgatanga craft industry, particularly its internationally recognised woven baskets and traditional smocks, remains one of the major sources of employment and household income in the municipality. BOCRADEP is expected to strengthen the value chain and improve the competitiveness of local artisans in both domestic and international markets.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
