From Ghana with Love – Playful, Eco-Friendly Straw Baskets
- infoafrohse
- Mar 30, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 1, 2024
Welcome to Ghana!
Today, we’re talking to Robert “Ayine” a local creative passionate about the delicate craft of handmade baskets.
This conversation took place on 8th March 2024, where he and I had a call.
Hadithi
Robert started as a weaver, from the young age of 12, twisting straw for his parents weave baskets, crucial period that shaped his future interest in the craft.
One of the most interesting portions of the interview was his story about ‘the book’; “before I got into weaving, I did leathering first.” He got into leathering because he needed to buy a book compulsory for his key stage 4 class and didn’t have the money because his Dad; was out of Bolga for his salary.
For reference, ‘Bolgatana’ (Bolga) is a town in Ghana
One of his close friends at the time had already purchased the book, using money he’d earned from leathering which peeked Robert’s interest in the opportunity.
He completed his college in 2016, so beginning his basket journey
Challenges Faced
When I asked Robert what he believes to be the challenges for him, a creative in doing business, this is what he told me;
Selling Baskets is a Problem
Robert talked about this being a challenge because of poor marketing and by extension markets for handmade baskets.
“The business is dependent on other people especially wholesalers buying baskets to sell abroad”.
An unreliable model because in the event that these customers no longer have interest in their products, Bolga baskets would make no money because they do not have direct access to the same consumers.
It is because of this lack of access, that Robert believes challenges are created for creatives. Though material challenges arise, he is surrounded by a team of passionate, talented weavers who have perfected their craft over several years.
He went on to talk about the quality of the baskets, describing them as “Needing minimal care, biodegradable and environmentally friendly considering they can be used for manure after they start to decay”.
The Solution?
“We need our own Marketplace”
Robert thinks that a consolidated platform where African creatives can display and sell their products, like Amazon would reduce intense repercussions associated with their over reliance on wholesalers.
I would like to conclude this post by thanking Robert for talking to me and encourage you reading to check out Ara Bolga’s website and social media handles for updates.
Thanks for staying to the end!
See you soon!
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