Bolga Baskets

The women, mainly single mothers, and disabled men who make our Ghanaian baskets have worked together for more than 15 years and hail from the upper Bolgatanga region of the country - a densely populated area where craft development is the primary source of income. Although the work is done under trees and in simple sheds, built in part by a USAID loan, our artisans strive to meet International Labor Organization (ILO) standards and no children are involved in the production of these goods. Our local partner ensures that the artisans are paid fairly for their work and offers other services such as training and financial management.

Elephant grass is the primary material in these baskets and grows naturally without the need for fertilizer. Unfortunately, grasses in the Bolgatanga region have become dangerously depleted due to extended periods of drought. As a result, the artisans must purchase their raw materials from the southern part of Ghana making it increasingly difficult for them to make a decent living. The fair wages they receive make a significant difference and allow our artisans to purchase basic necessities such as food, education and medical care.