Rex Asanga
Rex Asanga Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Bolgatanga has charged stakeholders of Arts and Crafts industry to immensely support TradeAid Integrated in its efforts to boost the economy of the Upper East Region through their extraordinary annual event, the Bolgatanga International Crafts and Arts Fair (BICAF).
Speaking at the opening ceremony of BICAF 2023, which was held under the theme ‘Economic Transformational Agenda of the Upper East Region in the Post-Covid Era Through Art and Craft’, Mr Asanga observed that the fair has the potential to create jobs, generate income, and boost the local economy.
He noted that BICAF has inspired, motivated, and provided opportunities for weavers, craft producers, and farmers to start their own businesses and scale them up beyond the borders of the Upper East Region.
“BICAF is a unique platform that showcases the rich cultural heritage and the ingenuity of the people of the Upper East Region. It is also an opportunity to promote our arts and crafts to the world and attract investment to the region” Asanga averred.
He assured that “the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly under is in talks with the Ministry of Tourism to construct more stores at the NAFAC grounds to accommodate more retailers of basket and other craft dealers and ultimately make the place the largest craft village in Ghana”.
Mr Asanga added that a multi-purpose tanning factory has been constructed at Yorogo by government under the One District One Factory (1D1F) to produce leather for the basket and leather industry in the Region and it will soon be operational.
“We need to work together to make BICAF a success. This is one way we can contribute to the economic revolution of the Upper East Region,” Asanga said.
The MCE called on all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, and civil society organizations, to support BICAF and help it achieve its goals.
BICAF 2023 was organized from the 1st – 5th November, 2023, under the Fair-Trade Initiative by TradeAid Integrated, a non-profit organization based in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.
The fair featured a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, workshops, and cultural performances and provided an opportunity for weavers, craft producers, and farmers to network with potential buyers and investors.
BICAF is one of the most important cultural and economic events in the Upper East Region. It has been held annually since 2014 and has attracted visitors from all over Ghana and the world.