ICU urges Ghanaian smock weavers to scale up production for local and export markets

The General Secretary of Ghana's Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), Morgan Ayawine, has called for smock weavers and leather workers to increase production to capitalize on rising demand for Ghanaian crafts in both local and international markets. Speaking at the first national conference of the Ghana Association of Weavers and Leather Workers (GHAWAL) in Wa, Ayawine urged artisans to move away from small-scale production and position their businesses to benefit from the growing popularity of smock fabrics and related products.

He highlighted the recent fashion displays by contestants on TV3’s Ghana's Most Beautiful, where smock material was incorporated into various contemporary designs such as gowns, frocks, skirts, tops, and accessories, signaling the fabric's growing fashion appeal. Ayawine also highlighted the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as a potential avenue for Ghanaian textile products to enter international markets, urging GHAWAL to collaborate with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and other relevant agencies to enhance product quality, branding, and access to finance.

He stressed the importance of innovation and modern technology while preserving the cultural identity that makes these products unique. Ayawine expressed ICU Ghana's commitment to supporting the industries, emphasizing the need for artisans to work together, improve their skills, and pursue measurable results to ensure the success of their Association.