Basket weavers at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region are calling on government to support their activities to boost production.
The weavers say the high cost of production is taking a toll on them as they’re unable to produce more to meet demand.
The activity is a major source of livelihood, as nearly 3.5 million dollars’ worth of baskets was exported between 2012 and 2016.
The weavers also want government to deliberately promote the use of these baskets which are more environmentally friendly than polythene and plastic bags. Basket weaving as an art and a vocation has been with the people of the Upper East Region particularly women; the reason they have become known as the Bolgatanga Baskets.
Basket weaving among women in rural communities of the region is common, as it serves as a major source of income for households.
The main raw material, the Veta vera straw, is harvested from grass stalk, and each piece split into two.
It is then twisted tightly and rolled back together to give it strength and then dyed in boiling water for use.
The Bolga baskets are undoubtedly booming in and out of Ghana, but weaving them is not without challenges.
Some basket traders advanced arguments as to why it is better for Ghanaians to use these baskets over polythene bags in their daily shopping.
Source:Fiilafmonline/CitiBuss
