The Bolgatanga International Craft and Arts Festival (BICAF) and the Sixth Kayayei Business and Leadership Fair were recently held in the Upper East Regional capital, aimed at increasing visibility and creating market opportunities for products developed by the Kayayei.
The BICAF was organized by TradeAid Integrated, an NGO, while the Kayayei Fair was hosted by the Purim African Youth Development Platform (PAYDP), another NGO. With funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), PAYDP is running a program focused on “Supporting Marginalized Adolescent Girls and Enhancing their Knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender-Based Violence.” This initiative seeks to empower vulnerable adolescent girls, particularly kayayei and teenage mothers, to make informed decisions, improve their economic conditions, and reduce their vulnerability to gender-based violence, including forced marriages and cohabitation.
The event also aimed to provide an inclusive platform for the Kayayei to showcase their entrepreneurial skills, access education and resources, and promote leadership development and economic empowerment. The goal was to foster sustainable livelihoods and build resilience in the face of challenges.
Reverend Aku Xornam Kevi, Executive Director of PAYDP, described the fair as a transformative opportunity for the Kayayei to improve their living standards. She emphasized that the partnership with BICAF would enable networking opportunities to advance their cause. “This partnership has exposed the marginalized to various art products they can easily learn to produce and sell, allowing them to earn additional income and improve their lives,” she said.
In addition to livelihood training, Rev. Kevi noted that the beneficiaries were assisted in registering their products with the Food and Drugs Authority to enable them to sell to the public without hindrance.
Mr. Nicholas Apokerah, Executive Director of TradeAid Integrated, highlighted the crucial role of Kayayei and grassroots entrepreneurs in markets and communities. However, he pointed out the significant challenges they face, including limited access to market information, training, financial constraints, and digital resources. “These barriers hinder their potential to thrive in a rapidly evolving world where technology and innovation shape opportunities,” Mr. Apokerah said. “At BICAF, we aim to break down these barriers through collaboration, skills development, and technological empowerment.”
Ms. Tangoba Abayage, former Upper East Regional Minister and gender advocate, commended PAYDP’s intervention in providing formal education and training to the Kayayei in various skills. She urged parents to take responsibility for their children, especially girls, to protect them from exploitation.
Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Rex Asanga, emphasized the importance of technical and vocational training in creating sustainable jobs and encouraged the youth to learn skills for self-reliance.