Nubuke Foundation encourages smock weavers to unleash their creativity

The Nubuke Foundation has inspired smock weavers in the Upper West Region to push beyond the boundaries of their craft and explore new creative possibilities by promoting innovation and artistic expression.

 The Foundation, through its annually “Woori festival” aims to support the growth and development of the local textile industry particularly among women weavers.

As a premier centre for textiles and clay, the Nubuke Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting Textile culture and as well creating potential of women in the region based in Loho near Wa.

Madam Odile Tevie, the Director of the Nubuke Foundation made this known at Loho in the Nadowli -Kaleo District during the opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the 2025, Woori festival.

The festival on the theme: “The Role of Collaboration in Harnessing the Potential of Weaving for Socio-Economic Development” seeks to unlock opportunities in the sector and promote economic empowerment of women weavers.

The occasion drew participants from across the region and beyond, including departmental heads, agency representatives, traditional leaders, weavers, artists, and other stakeholders.

The event was vibrant showcase of local culture, featuring captivating performances by the Piisi cultural dance, Infinite Dance Group, and the Wa School for the Blind Students’ singing group.

The event featured a thrilling exhibition and display of Ghana’s rich weaving traditions, textile designs, artwork, and captivating performances, including energetic dance and melodious singing.

The occasion highlighted the region’s unique food concepts, offering a holistic experience of Ghanaian culture and heritage.

The four-day event offered a diverse programme of seminars, workshops, cultural exchanges, and networking opportunities to enable participants to engage in meaningful learning, trading, and collaboration, fostering connections and opportunities among attendees.

According to the Director, the sector grappled with limited capacity to access and navigate larger, more complex markets, and insufficient capital to invest in essential tools and materials.

She said these obstacles hinder the sector’s growth and productivity.

Madam Tevie, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the partners who contributed to the success of this year’s Woori festival.

 She said their support had enabled the festival to flourish and achieve its objectives, and their collaboration had been deeply valued.

She appealed to philanthropists, non-governmental organizations, individuals, government agencies, and public and private institutions to come together and tap into the vast potential of weaving as a catalyst for Socio-Economic Development in the country.

Mr Ebenezer Kwame Asumadu, the Administrator of the Nubuke Foundation encouraged weavers to embark on a collaborative journey, transcending disciplinary, cultural, and perspective, which could help them to tap into the transformative power of collective creativity, fostering innovative thinking and action.

He advised them to embrace a more dynamic, networked approach to knowledge and creativity, to cultivate a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world.

 Mr Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister applauded Nubuke Foundation for their tireless efforts in promoting Ghanaian Arts and Culture, which was integral to the region’s economy and could reflect the rich cultural heritage of the people.

He said the initiative was imperative and would preserve the rich cultural heritage and serve as hope for countless women and youth who seek economic independence through skills acquisition.

“Weaving is an ancient craft that has been an integral part of Ghanaian culture for centuries and it continues to play a vital role in our communities,” he said.

The Regional Minister noted that the Nubuke Foundation’s vision seamlessly aligns with the President’s vision, focusing on creating and implementing policies that drive skills development, empower women, and foster job creation, as essential pillars for national growth and development.

Mr Lwanga stressed that skills training and development was the backbone of sustainable economic growth and government was committed to establish TVET and apprenticeship programmes aimed at equipping the people, particularly the youth and women, with relevant skills to thrive in today’s economy.

Madam Alberta Anku, representing the University of Ghana’s Research and Innovation Directorate, highlighted the university’s remarkable collaboration with the Nubuke Foundation, made possible through the innovative ARTIFY project.

She said the partnership underscored the university’s commitment to fostering strategic relationships that advance knowledge, creativity, and innovation.

Source: GNA