ICU urges Ghanaian smock weavers to scale up production for local and export markets
The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), Ghana, Morgan Ayawine, has urged smock weavers and leather workers to prepare for mass production as growing interest in Ghanaian crafts creates new opportunities in local and international markets. He said artisans must move beyond small-scale production and position their businesses to take advantage of the increasing visibility and patronage of smock fabrics and related products. Mr Ayawine made the call in a keynote address at the first national conference of the Ghana Association of Weavers and Leather Workers (GHAWAL) in Wa in the Upper West Region. The conference, held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Wa Senior High School, was organised under the theme, “Weaving for Future: Empowering Artisans for National Growth.”