The Upper East Guruntama Weavers and Thread Sellers Association has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to recognise Guruntama weaving as a national asset and introduce measures to protect and promote the indigenous textile industry.
The association, which presented its petition through the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, is also calling for the inclusion of Guruntama cloth in school and security service uniforms to boost demand, create jobs and preserve the region’s cultural heritage.
The three-point petition was presented during a meeting with the Regional Minister at his office in Bolgatanga.
In the petition, the association called for the strengthening of the Ghana-Burkina Weavers and Thread Union to improve coordination and support for weavers and thread sellers.
“We plead that you help strengthen the entire weavers and thread trade union across the country, that is, the Ghana-Burkina Weavers and Thread Union,” the petition stated.
The association also appealed to the government to recognise Guruntama weaving and related industries as a national asset to facilitate trade in cloth, thread and other weaving materials.
“We plead that you establish weavers and accessories industries as a national asset, to enable the exportation and importation of Guruntama cloth and Thread,” the petition stated.
The group further proposed that schools and security services adopt Guruntama cloth as part of their prescribed Wednesday uniforms.
“We again plead that you make it mandatory for schools and Security Services to have prescribed Guruntama cloth made into uniform for their Wednesday wear. We believe these measures will create jobs, preserve our culture, and grow the economy of the Upper East Region and Ghana as a whole,” the petition added.
Presenting the petition on behalf of the association, the Upper East Regional Director of Museums, Pognaab Prisca Na’ambome Yenzie, highlighted several challenges confronting the industry.
She expressed concern about the influx of what she described as imitation thread and cloth, which she said was affecting the quality and reputation of authentic Guruntama products.
She also cited difficulties faced by members in accessing markets in Burkina Faso, inadequate promotion and branding of Guruntama products, and limited financial support for weavers and thread sellers.
According to her, addressing these challenges would help protect the indigenous textile industry and improve the livelihoods of people who depend on it.
The association expressed confidence that incorporating Guruntama cloth into school and security service uniforms would create a sustainable market for local weavers, generate employment opportunities and position the Upper East Region as a textile production hub.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the President, the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, assured the association that its concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting Guruntama and supporting the growth of the local textile industry.
Mr Atanga cited the declaration of Wednesday as a day for wearing smocks made from Guruntama cloth as one of the measures intended to promote the traditional fabric.
He also assured the association that he would raise its concerns about access to the Burkina Faso market during his planned visit to the neighbouring country later this month.
The Regional Minister further appealed to the media to support the promotion of Guruntama by encouraging the public to patronise locally woven smocks, particularly on Wednesdays.
The association believes that government support for the industry would help preserve traditional weaving skills, expand market opportunities and create sustainable livelihoods for young people in the Upper East Region.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
