MAKE SMOCK WEAVING INDUSTRY VIBRANT (PAGE 29)

THE smock weaving industry in the Tamale metropolis is one viable venture that needs greater attention and massive capital infusion.
For one thing, the industry has the potential to reduce the unemployment situation facing the youth in the metropolis.
Unfortunately, however, most smock weavers are operating below capacity as a result of the lack of the needed credit to help boost the industry.
Members of the Aboabu Branch of the Nawuni Songmeti Smock Weavers Association (NASSWA) in Tamale, for instance, told the Daily Graphic that a smock weaver needed not less than GH¢1,000 to start a small business.
Smocks promote dignity among the people of the north and they symbolise the rich cultural heritage of the area.
They come in different forms and sizes and are displayed along the streets of the metropolis.
Their prices range between GH¢10 and GH¢400 each, depending on the size and form. They are either hand sewn or sewn with machines, with the former being more expensive than the latter.
There is a type meant for chiefs. It is called “Yeble” and comes in different forms and sizes with a hat to match. Its price ranges between GH¢250 and GH¢400. There are others that are used to perform traditional dances, while some are meant for only women, called “Togas”.
The Chairman of NASSWA, Alhaji Mallam Yahaya Seidu, made a passionate appeal to the government and the private sector to, as a matter of urgency, help provide the needed credit facilities to boost the smock weaving industry in the metropolis.
He expressed regret that although NASSWA had been licensed to enter the export market with its products, members lacked capital and the needed capacity to produce on a large scale.
According to the chairman, the industry had the potential to grow but stakeholders, including the private sector, were not fulfilling their part of the bargain to help market the traditional wear.
Alhaji Seidu also entreated other smock weavers in the metropolis to join NASSWA, which currently had about 32 members, and support efforts at making the industry viable to help reduce unemployment problems facing the youth in the area.
A smock seller at the Agriculture area on the Tamale-Bolgatanga road, for his part, said some tourists to the area purchased the traditional wear in large quantities from him.
“We are very proud of our smocks because one can use them for not less than 10 years. You can also wash them when they are dirty,” the seller further stated.