ICU calls for establishment of yarn factory in Upper West

The Upper West Regional Officer of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union, Ghana, Catherine B. K. Hesse, has appealed to the government to support the weaving industry through the establishment of a yarn manufacturing factory.

She said though the industry employed a lot of people, particularly women, access to yarn, the main raw material for the production of woven cloth, remained a challenge.

She said the high cost of importation of the material was affecting the industry and called for the intervention of the government to help the sector.

Graduation

Ms Hesse made the appeal during the graduation of some 230 apprentices who have now become master weavers and members of the Ghana Weavers Association (GHAWA).

She said the establishment of the factory would bring production closer to the members to enable them to contribute their quota to the growth of the country.

Ms Hesse said through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), “weavers would benefit from the exportation of their beautiful woven cloth.”

However, for them to derive the full benefit of AfCFTA, she said there would be a need for modern machines to enhance their craft and help them grow the informal sector.

On behalf of the ICU, she paid tribute to GHAWA for their invaluable contributions to the country through the training of hundreds of weavers over the years.

“We recognise the hundreds of apprentices who have graduated from weaving training, thus helping to address the pressing issue of unemployment in our nation,” she said.

She said employment created through the initiative had provided meaningful opportunities for young men and women, “helping to reduce social vices in our communities. More important, it has supported the well-being of many families.”

Innovation

Ms Hesse called on the members of GHAWA to adapt to meet the changing trends in the industry and to remain relevant.

“It is essential to continue learning and adapting through education. We urge GHAWA to stay abreast of the new trends in the industry to remain relevant and avoid becoming obsolete,” she said.

Zakiatu Mahama, a master weaver, who has been on her own for the past seven years, said the sector had created job opportunities for many women in the Upper West Region and through that, many of them were now earning income.

She said there were lots of prospects for the sector, which helped lots of people to provide for their families.

She added that while some were into the sale of the yarns and fabrics, others were into sewing and sales as well.

Through the weaving, Ms Mahama said she had been able to support her husband to take care of her household.