Bead, Brass and Jewellery Industry in Ghana

New Markets, New Opportunities.

The Brass and Bead Jewellery Industry in the Republic of Ghana. sippo.ch

Welcome.

All the information regarding the Ghanaian bead and jewellery industry as well as the company profiles that you will find in this branch overview were carefully researched on site and compiled by our local consultant Kati Torda.

SIPPO, the Swiss Import Promotion Programme, would like to express its special gratitude not only to Kati for her support but also to Trish Graham for her kind contribution in providing texts and images for this brochure.

In this brochure, you will learn everything about Ghana, the history and making of beads and about its jewellery industry. You also will find company information on more than thirty bead, brass and jewellery producers that we are sure will help you in choosing new suppliers.

New Markets – New Opportunities The Brass and Bead Jewellery Industry in the Republic of Ghana 30 selected companies and designers Eve Baechtold Beads are something wonderful and fascinating! No wonder

Head Non-Food Programme

beads have been produced, used and traded all over the world

SIPPO Swiss Import Promotion Programme

for many hundreds of years. But especially in Ghana, the art of producing the beads out of recycled glass, combining various kinds of beads, old and new, the setting of colors as well as the use of beads and pieces of brass to turn them into fashion jewellery convinced the SIPPO team to focus their efforts on supporting bead jewelers to help them obtain access to the Swiss and European market.

SIPPO, the Swiss Import Promotion Programme, started its promotion work with Ghanaian bead, brass and jewellery producers in 2004. At that time, the biggest need for action consisted in adapting their products to the requirements of European buyers, training the producers in dealing with exports and of course, marketing these products in Switzerland and the European Union. The effort was worthwhile!

Ever since, several Ghanaian jewellery producers participated successfully with SIPPO at the international trade fair in Frankfurt.

Meanwhile, they regularly deliver fashionable jewellery pieces to Europe, new business relations have been established and new jobs created.

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l  New Markets - New Opportunities

About Us.

Disclaimer.

SIPPO, the Swiss Import Promotion Programme, is a mandate

The information provided in this publication is believed to be

of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, SECO, within the

accurate at the time of writing. It is, however, passed on to the

framework of its economic development cooperation initiatives. It

reader without any responsibility on the part of Osec or the

is carried out by Osec, the official Swiss foreign trade promotion

authors.

agency.

Neither Osec nor the author of this publication give any warranty, The Programme helps SMEs in developing and transition coun-

expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy of the information

tries to gain access to the Swiss and European markets by provid-

presented, and will not be held liable for injury or claims resulting

ing information, training courses and other matchmaking services.

from the use of this publication or of the information contained

SIPPO also assists importers from Switzerland and the European

therein.

Union to find suitable partners and high-quality products from selected developing and transition countries.

No obligation is assumed for up-dating or amending this publication for any reason, with new or contrary information or as

The Programme has five main goals:

a result from changes in legislation, regulations or jurisdiction.

• To inform the Swiss and European import economy about new

Publisher

market sources

Osec

• To strengthen trade institutions and business sector associations

Swiss Import Promotion Programme

in the trade promotion process

Stampfenbachstrasse 85

• To increase the competitiveness of SMEs in selected

CH-8006 Zurich

partner countries

Phone +41 44 365 51 51

• To develop the manufacturing and exporting skills of SMEs in

Fax +41 44 365 52 02

selected partner countries

sippo@osec.ch

• To establish qualified trade contacts between SMEs from emerging and transition markets and the Swiss and European import economy

The Target Groups.

In emerging and transition countries: • Small and medium-sized companies and cooperatives • Business organizations, chambers of commerce, associations In importing countries (Switzerland, EU): • Importers, major distributors and the processing industry • Business organizations, chambers of commerce, associations

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Table of contents.

Introduction.................................................................................... 5

Company Profiles........................................................... 49

Ghanaian Economy........................................................... 7

Bead Producer......................................................... 50-56

The Geography of Ghana............................................................... 8

Cedi Beads Industry..................................................................... 50

Historical Ghana............................................................................. 9

Dabaah Beads Export Production Village.................................... 51

Economic Situation........................................................11

Lizzy Beads Manufacturing Company.......................................... 52 Oklah Beads Industry................................................................... 53

Government and Economy........................................................... 12

Tet Glass Beads Industry............................................................. 54

Imports and Exports..................................................................... 13

T.K. Beads Industry Limited......................................................... 55

Ghana‘s Bead Industry............................................... 15

Yohanes Bead Shop.................................................................... 56

Bead Production........................................................................... 16

Brass Producer........................................................ 57-62

Recycled Glass Bead Making....................................................... 20

Akwasi Nortey Brass Works......................................................... 57

Powder Glass Bead Making.......................................................... 21

Fosu Handicraft........................................................................... 58

The Koforidua Bead Market.......................................................... 22

Gee Creation............................................................................... 59

Ghana‘s Brass Industry.............................................. 25 Brass Production.......................................................................... 26 Lost Wax Cast Brass Bead Making.............................................. 28

Ghana‘s Bead Jewellery Industry........................ 31 Fine and Custom Jewellery ......................................................... 32

Ghanaian Associations............................................... 37

Kofi Amponsem Brass Works...................................................... 60 Paula Handicraft.......................................................................... 61 Provident Creation....................................................................... 62

Bead Jewellery Producer.................................. 63-79 Adkobs Enterprise....................................................................... 63 Aduana Fair Trade Beads And Accessory Designs..................... 64 Afrikeuro Beads Designing.......................................................... 65 Ahene Pa Nkasa Ltd.................................................................... 66

The Ghana Bead Society.............................................................. 38

Asanbeads Enterprise................................................................. 67

ATAG - Aid To Artisans Ghana...................................................... 40

Beadsvalue.................................................................................. 68

Ministry of Trade & Industry........................................................... 42

Chic Accessories......................................................................... 69

Ghana Export Promotion Authority............................................... 44

Craftmans Studio......................................................................... 70

Ghana Investment Promotion Centre........................................... 46

Ele Agbe Company Limited......................................................... 71 Emefa Jewellery Production Limited............................................ 72 Evelyn‘s Place............................................................................. 73 Gees Creations............................................................................ 74 Ndzema Ghana Ltd...................................................................... 75 Okycraft Company Limited.......................................................... 76 Phismag....................................................................................... 77 Possible Creations....................................................................... 78 Sun Trade Ltd............................................................................... 79

List of Contacts.. ............................................................. 80 Abbreviations.. ................................................................. 81

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Introduction.

This brochure presents the profiles of bead and brass Jewellery producers and Jewellery designers. And of one of these could be precisely the company you are looking for.

Republic of Ghana • Population: 24,333,000 (in 2010) • Capital: Accra • Location: Western Africa, on the North Atlantic Ocean coast, between Côte d‘Ivoire and Togo • Latitude: 5o, 36’ north • Longitude: 0o, 10’ east • Land boundaries: total 2,093 km, of which with Burkina Faso, 548 km; with Côte d‘Ivoire, 668 km; and with Togo, 877 km • Coastline: 539 km • Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Total area: area: 238,540 km2; land area: 230,020 km2

Tropical vegetation

• Comparative area: slightly smaller than Oregon • Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm, continental shelf: 200 nm; exclusive economic zone: 200 nm, territorial sea: 12 nm • Country code: GH • Average GDP growth: 5.9% (in 2010) • Monetary unit: Cedi (GHS) • Conversion rate: ­ 1 Euro (EUR) = 2.26607 Cedi (GHS), 1 GHS = 0.466 Euro, 1 US Dollar (USD) = 1.656 GHS, 1 GHS = 0.604 USD • International disputes: none

Makola Circle in the centre of Accra

Independence Arch in Accra

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l  New Markets - New Opportunities

The Republic of Ghana.

Formerly the Gold Coast, Ghana became a republic in 1957. It is located on West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea, only a few degrees north of the Equator.

Republic of Ghana

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The Geography of Ghana.

Half of the republic of Ghana lies less than 152 meters above sea level, and the highest point is 883 meters. Sandy beaches and tropical rainforest characterize this area. North of this band, the

Wa

country is covered by low bush, park-like savanna, and grassy plains. The climate is tropical. The eastern coastal band is warm

Tamele

and comparatively dry; the southwest corner is hot and humid; and the north, hot and dry. Ghana’s borders stretch along neighboring Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo. Its natural resources include

Kumasi

gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, and rubber.

Ada Foah Cape Coast Axim

Accra

A rich natural heritage • Ghana’s dense tropical rainforests are being developed into nature parks targeting the ecology-minded tourist. These parks

Map of Ghana

include the new National Park at Kakum, and the Ankasa Forest in Ghana’s south. Birds and butterflies are particularly numerous in Ghana’s forests. They can be advantageously appreciated from the forests’ attractive nature trails.

• A unique eco-system where communities of monkeys live in symbiotic relationship with humans, in an ecological conservation arrangement that has emerged spontaneously, as is ostensibly evidenced in Buabeng-Fiema village nature sanctuary, in Brong Ahafo.

• Crocodile ponds spot the country.

• Coastal wetlands for indigenous and migratory birds abound for bird watching enthusiasts notably at the Volta Estuary, the Songor Lagoon and Panbros Beach near Accra.

• The century-old Aburi Botanical Gardens serve as a museum of natural history for tropical species from all five continents.

Tropical rainforest

Ghanaian children

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l New Markets - New Opportunities

Historical Ghana.

Ghana is a young republic which became independent from Great Britain on March 6, 1957; it was the first black African colony to achieve independence. Ghana occupies the pinnacle of Pan-African history having lit the torch for African Emancipation and became the home for famous Pan-Africanists such as W.E. B Du Bois and George Padmore. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, whose mausoleum stands out in Accra’s landscape, was Ghana’s first president. A European power struggle to gain control of Ghanaian territory lasted from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The Portuguese, who built Elmina Castle in 1482, were first to arrive, and were followed by the Dutch, Swedes, Danes, Prussians and the British looking for fortunes in gold and ivory.

This intense commercial rivalry ended with the growth of the tragic slave trade. All 42 historical European castles and

Official ceremony in Accra

fortifications still standing were originally used as dungeons for millions, most of whom lost their lives or whose descendants compose the present African diaspora.

Historical and cultural landmarks • 42 forts and castles including Elmina and Cape Coast Castles are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Monuments.

• Dotting Ghana are also sites where wars were fought between the British and the indigenous populations, especially the Ashanti peoples.

• The ancient artistry found in fabrics woven with the colorful and popular Ashanti bonwire kente cloth has now been adopted as a sign of identity by many people of African descent worldwide.

• Ghana is a haven for collectors of ancient terra cotta work, and also of traditional gold jewellery, Krobo beads, northern leather

Hand-woven kente cloth is an icon of African cultural heritage

and straw products, and Ahwiaa-Ashanti wood carving.

• The practice of ancient herbal and alternative medicine goes side by side with orthodox medical practice throughout the country; herbariums preserve the ancient medical heritage.

• Ghanaians hold colorful traditional festivals full of pomp and pageantry with Chiefs and Queen Mothers riding on lushly gilded palanquins.

• Colorful traditional open markets and lorry parks provide the sounds and sights of the African bazaar.

Elmina Castle the oldest European building below the Sahara

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10 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Ghanaian Economy.

Ghana’s per capita output is twice as large as that on any other poor country in West Africa. However, the country is economically dependent on financial and industrial aid from other countries.

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Government and Economy.

Republic of Ghana

• Main political parties National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Gold, timber, and cocoa are the chief sources of foreign income.

is the ruling party; New Patriotic Party (NPP) is the main

Agriculture drives the country’s GDP growth. About 55.8

opposition party; other parties include People’s National

percent of the population are engaged in agriculture with

Convention (PNC), Convention People’s Party (CPP), United

pineapples, cashews, pepper, cassava, yams, plantains, maize,

Ghana Movement (UGM) and National Reform Party (NRP)

rice, peanuts, millet, sorghum as the main produce. Tourism is

Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast

another source of revenues, attracting thousands tourists from

and the Togoland trust territory, in 1957, Ghana became the

round the world.

first country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. A long series of coups resulted in the suspension of the constitution

• Ghana imports capital equipment, petroleum and foodstuffs.

in 1981 and the banning of political parties. In 1992. A new

• It exports gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum,

constitution that restored multiparty politics was approved. Lt.

manganese ore and diamonds.

• Mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting,

Jerry Rawlings, head of state since 1981, won the presidential elections in 1992 and 1996. He was constitutionally prevented

food processing are the main industries in addition to natural

from running for a third term in 2000, and was succeeded by

resource development.

John Kufuor.

Ghana is a unitary republic. Its legal system is founded on a

• GDP

new constitution, following the US model, which was approved

-- GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $38.24 billion (2010 est.)

by referendum in April 1992.

-- GDP (at the official exchange rate): $18.06 billion (2009 est.)

-- GDP - real growth rate: 5.9% (2010 est.)

• National legislature Ghana’s 230-member Parliament is elected by universal suffrage every four years. The last election was held on December 7 and 28, 2008; the next on

-- GDP - per capita (PPP): $1,600 (2010 est.)

-- GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 33.7%, industry: 24.7%, services: 41.6% (2006 est.)

is scheduled for December 7,2012.

• Labor force 10.56 million (2009 est.)

• Head of state A President is elected by universal suffrage for a maximum of 2 four-year terms. President John Evans Atta Mills was sworn in on January, 7 2009,with John Dramani

• Labor force - by occupation agriculture 56%, industry: 15%, services: 29% (2005 est.)

Mahama as Vice President. The president is both the chief of state and head of government.

• Unemployment rate 11% (2011 est.)

• Population below poverty line 28.5% (2007 est.)

• Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: 2%, highest 10%: 32.8% (2006) • Distribution of family income - Gini index 39.4 (2005-06) • Inflation rate (consumer prices) 10.9% (2010 est.)

• Investment (gross fixed) 39.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

• Budget revenues $5.518 billion, expenditures: $7.025 billion (2009 est.)

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Imports and Exports.

• Public debt 59.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

• Industries mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial ship building • Industrial production growth rate 5% (2009 est.)

• Current account balance $1.871 billion (2010 est.)

• Exports -- Exports $7.326 billion (2010 est.)

-- Exports - gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum,

Table 1. Ghana’s Top Ten Exports and Imports.

Major Exports (Destinations)

Major Imports (Origins)

United Kingdom Switzerland Italy Togo Netherlands USA Germany Japan Nigeria

Nigeria United Kingdom Cote D‘Ivoire USA Germany Netherlands Japan South Africa Italy

manganese ore, diamonds, horticulture -- Exports partners: Netherlands, 13.45%; UK, 7.87%; Ukraine, 5.84%; Malaysia, 3.97%; France, 5.85% (2009) • Imports -- Imports - capital equipment, petroleum, food $10.18 billion f.o.b.

(2010 est.)

-- Imports partners: China 16.8%, Nigeria 11.88%, US 6.63%, Cote d’Ivoire 5.99%, India 5.57%, France 5.09%, UK 4.23% (2009) • Economic aid - recipient $1.316 billion in loans and grants (2007) • Reserves of foreign exchange and gold $3.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

• Debt - external $6.483 billion (December 31, 2010 est.)

• Market value of publicly traded shares $2.508 billion (31 December 2009) Source: Ghana Economy 2011, CIA World Factbook

Table 2. Exports and Imports.

Export Commodities

Major Import Items

• Semi-manufactured gold (including platinum plated gold) • Cocoa beans • Pineapples (prepared or preserved) • Aluminum alloys • Residual fuel oil • Tuna (prepared or preserved) • Specified tropical wood for veneer sheets and plywood • Cocoa butter • Wawa / Obeche • Manganese ores and concentrates

• Plant • Machinery and spares • Petroleum products • Raw materials • Other intermediate goods

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Ghana‘s Bead Industry.

Ghana is well known for its constant production of beads. Each type of bead goes through a specific process to create the unique effect the bead maker wants.

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Bead Production.

History of beads The earliest powder glass beads on record were discovered during the archaeological excavations at Mapungubwe, in presentday Zimbabwe. Studies by Maurice Wood (Wood 2000) based on late excavations showed that some of these beads were made by filing clay molds with crushed glass beads. Because of their distinct shapes they were termed «Garden Roller Beads». These are the earliest powder glass beads known from Africa.

Unique Krobo Beads Krobo Trade Bead producers do not work with liquefied recycled glass, but process powdered or crumbled glass sand, which they lay in molds and then heat up in a kiln. Almost in every other place on the globe, Trade Beads can be mass-produced by blowing, or twisting, or drawing off, or shaping by compressing blistering red liquefied glass sand. The industry is nowhere near as vital as it is in West Africa. All the same, there are often changes in the Trade Bead producing industry in Ghana. The two primary centers for Trade Bead production today are in Krobo and therefore, in the Ashanti traditional domains. But in the 1930s, a German scholar gave an account of recycled glass beadwork making near the Woman twisting red liquefied glass sand

Cote d’Ivoire border; a second scholar studied the techniques used in Trade Bead production in the Ashanti traditional area.

These techniques differ from those used today.

Krobo Powder Glass Beads The main areas of powder glass bead manufacturing are West Africa - Mauritania, Nigeria and most importantly Ghana, with bead-making activities centered around Odumase - Krobo and Kumasi. The origins of beadmaking in Ghana are unknown, but the great majority of powder glass beads produced today are made by Ashanti and Krobo craftsmen.

Krobo people The Krobo people (one of seven Adangbe groups), who are traditionally farmers, are probably the most famous and skilled bead makers in Africa and certainly the most prolific. Beads still play a very important role in the Krobo society, be it in birth, coming of age, marriage or funerary rituals. Possibly the best known contemporary internationally acknowledged Krobo bead maker is Ebenezer Djaba, or «Cedi» as everyone knows him, who lives in Odumase - Krobo. In the past, beadmaking was the source of livelihood for the community of Dabaah, in Kumasi, within the

Market of Beads

16 l New Markets - New Opportunities

Ashanti region.

Traditional techniques and making of recycled glass beads As the name suggests, the powder glass beads are made from finely ground glass and the main source of this glass is the broken and unusable bottles collected from the local breweries, bottling companies and manufacturers of glass windows. Bottles and other scrap sources of glass are also found and purchased in the market, hence the term recycled glass beads from Ghana.

The bottle glass is first broken into shards and fragments and eventually ground into a fine powder, using mostly metal mortars and pestles that are frequently fashioned from objects such as gas canisters and worn out automobile drive shafts. The quality of beads produced by the technique depends greatly on the fineness of the glass powder used in making them. Several siftings of the fine powder are required before the finest glass «powder» particles are achieved. Modern ceramic colorants, called «dyes» by the bead makers, finely ground monochrome broken beads, or glass shards of different colors from various sources are added to create a great variety of styles, designs and decorative patterns of many colors. Krobo powder glass beads are made in vertical molds fashioned out of special locally dug clay. Different molds, which would last a number of firings before they wear out, are used for making the many bead types, sizes and shapes. Most

In a bead store

molds have a number of depressions designed to hold one bead each and each depression in turn has a small central depression, the «fuwa», to hold a perforator such as a leaf stem or mid-rib of a cassava leaf.

Beaded shoes

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Before a mold is filled with glass, it is soaked in a kaolin suspension to prevent the fired beads from sticking to the mold. A short length of cassava leaf stem is placed in the «fuwa» and the mold is then filled with finely ground glass that can be built up in layers, very painstakingly, to form sequences and patterns of different shapes and colors. The cassava stem will burn away during firing and leave the bead orifice. Perforations are also made by hot-piercing with the pin after firing.

The technique could be described as the vertical-mold dry powder glass technique as opposed to the wet-core powder glass technique employed elsewhere.

The firing process can take many hours including several hours for Collection of bottles

the kiln to reach an optimum temperature of between 850-1000°C. During the initial 45 minutes in the kiln, the glass powder will begin to fuse or rather coalesce under heat without liquefaction of the glass, which gives the beads the characteristic grainy surface that might later be smoothed by grinding or polishing. Firing continues until the glass is fully fused.

Some variants receive their final shapes by being manipulated in their molds after firing, whilst the glass is still hot and pliable.

Variety of scrap glasses

Filled molds

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There are three main styles of modern Krobo powder recycled glass beads: • The group of fused glass fragment beads comprised by translucent or semi-translucent Gige and of the Tsakati variants, made by fusing together fairly large bottle glass or glass bead fragments, which are hot-pierced and receive their final shapes after firing.

• The two-part «Ologo» (round) is the Krobo term for biconeshaped beads, made from pulverized glass, in two halves that are joined together in a second short firing process. They often resemble or try to imitate the so-called Venetian «King» beads or their decorative patterns.

Beads are cooked in traditional kilns made of termite clay • The «Mue ne Angma» – a term that translates into – «beads that have been written». These are the conventional powder glass beads made from finely ground glass, with glass slurry decorations written on the bead with a pointed wooden stick and fused in a second firing. Many of the designs copy decorative styles that are characteristic of the 1900’s Venetian «millefiori» (thousand flowers) and other Venetian-made glass beads in their colorful variations.

Washing and polishing of the beads

Beads on the market

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Recycled Glass Bead Making.

The crushed glass pieces (frit) are ready to place in the molds.

Dye cannot be added for recycled glass beads so glass must be found in the desired colors.

Filled molds are ready to go into the kiln already fired and with molds in place. The heat is judged ready by the color of the flame.

The glass is fully melted and ready to take out and shape into the bead.

The awls are placed and one makes the hole in the bead, while the other tool holds the hot mold in place. The bead is quickly shaped by the bead maker.

When one side is rounded, he flips the molten bead and shapes the other side.

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Powder Glass Bead Making.

The mold is carefully filled with the powdered glass. Different colors are layered in to make the designs. This is a very skilled and time-consuming process. Some of the more complicated beads can only be made by very skilled bead makers.

Beads are fired and cooled in the molds to prevent cracking.

Finished beads are removed from the molds, washed on the stone with sand and water.

Finished beads are strung onto cotton thread. Different beads are strung in different quantities or color combinations to smooth rough edges and to polish them.

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The Koforidua Bead Market.

Koforidua market is the home of many bead producers and retailers. It is a very vibrant bead market that takes place every Thursday at Koforidua Jackson’s Park.

History This bead market started as far as three generations ago but it was not until about the last two decades that the town council decided to allow the bead market to have a special place as it formed part of their culture.

It was then that Jackson’s Park was designated exclusively to hold the beads market every Tuesday.

Beads are part of the people’s lives from this region especially those from Odumase Krobo and its environs who are mostly farmers. Their bead production or retail supplements their farming livelihoods.

In other regions such as the Ashanti region where there used to be a similar vibrant bead industry at Dabaah, the industry collapsed after most of the young people left their villages for On the Koforidua Market

the cities and the Nigerian merchants who were the main bead customers stopped coming to buy them.

Since it was only a business venture for the people in the Ashanti region, the industry collapsed when demand dropped. But in the eastern region or with regards to the Krobo bead industry, beadmaking is a part of the culture and tradition, which will prevent these activities from just fading away easily. The beads are used at many festivals such as the Dipo, which is the most common one. Dipo marks the transition from girlhood to puberty and beads are part of the young ladies’ dowry as they undergo their puberty passage rites.

Colored bead strings

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The elderly sometimes lend their bead collections for such occasions.

Beads are much in this part of the country. In their quest to produce the best beads, most of the producers are dependent on fire wood to fire their clay kilns. As a result, they move to areas where they can get enough wood, adversely impacting the already depleted forest reserves. As fuel wood sources fall, so does their production capacity. When asked how much they could produce, most of the producers said it depended on the availability of fire wood. It should be interesting to encourage them to use alternative sources of energy, such as gas, to fire their kilns, thus helping save the many trees which otherwise would be cut for fire wood.

The Koforidua bead market is also a market for the assorted glass that is recycled for the production of beads. Various types of glass are also traded here for the production of beads so some of the visitors are bed makers who buy the glass they need, and this includes all sorts of glass.

Since most of the bead producers, designers and retailers come

Beads

to this market to make their purchases, so do a few buyers from the US, UK and Canada who make their purchases and place their orders from some of the producers. This tells a story of how far the Koforidua Bead Market has reached.

Beads dealers

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Ghana‘s Brass Industry.

Ghana’s Akan artisans have a rich tradition in metal casting.

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Brass Production.

A tradition of the Akans From the 15th century to the 19th century, the Akan people dominated gold mining and gold trade in the region. Akan art is wide-ranging and renowned, especially for the tradition of crafting bronze gold weights, which were made using the lost wax method of casting.

The Akans have a rich tradition in metal casting. Brass, copper, gold and iron have been the major metals with which Akan artisans shaped their tools for hunting and war, farming and domestic use, personal adornment, and for use as money.

Archaeological evidence from the Begho in the Brong-Ahafo Region indicates the presence of iron smelting in the area in the Shapes of beeswax

first millennium of our era. The work of various archaeologists, notably Oliver Davies and Merrick Posnansky, has shown that smelting was once extensively carried on in parts of the Akan area. Changes which occurred through the growth of nucleated market centers and through long distance trade with middle Niger towns such as Jenne resulted in technological innovations in copper and brass casting, and the exploitation and smelting of gold. Warren (1975) hypothesizes that Brong, as the first and northernmost Akan centralized state, must have passed on some of these technological developments to some of the latter- day Akan states (e.g., Asante) that came after Brong. Probably the most common Akan objects cast in brass were gold weights, spoons, kuduo and forowa (ÂŤgrease containersÂť), and jewellery.

The casting of brass, silver, copper, and gold appears to have been regarded among the Akans an occupation entirely distinct

Wax models

from that of the blacksmith. Blacksmiths produced items such swords, knives, machetes, agricultural tools (e. g., axe and hoes), traps, and door hinges and locks.

Cooling process

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Forowa and Kuduo Forowa and kuduo are often confused with each other in the literature on Akan art. Forowa was made from sheet brass while kuduo was cast by melting brass through the lost wax process.

Forowa and kuduo have functional and construction distinctions.

The first, forowa, is made from hammered, or sheet, brass; its uses are chiefly domestic and personal, among them the storage of shea butter, a vegetable fat used as a cosmetic, as food, and as fuel. The second, kuduo, is made from cast brass. Its uses are mainly ceremonial and ritual, such as for sacrificial offerings, in newborn rites, female puberty celebrations, twins’ festivals, royal purifications, and funerals. Often filled with gold dust, gold weights, pearls, or other precious items, kuduo was associated with rituals related to the soul and was often buried with the body of the deceased person. The designs on forowa and kuduo are

Akan art jewellery

from the large inventory of Akan symbols found in gold weights, wood carvings, architecture, and adinkra fabrics.

Kuoda made from cast brass

Akan symbols

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Lost Wax Cast Brass Bead Making.

Ghanaian brass beads – lost wax casting technique The jewellery of the Akan is not just ornamental; rituals and religion play a major part in the adornment of jewellery. Each piece represents and is worn for a particular reason, ranging from aesthetics to identifying marks of a society or group as well as Akan beliefs. The royal regalia are made up of many kinds of jewellery. Individuals and families own all kinds of jewellery for personal use and adornment.

Jewellery (agudee) has dressed the Akan for centuries. Big silver bangles, glimmering beads, gleaming gold and pure pearls have historically fascinated the traveler to the Gold Coast. European traders and travelers in the 15th were surprised to discover affluent and sophisticated kingdoms in the area that came to be known as The sprue

the Gold Coast.

The process involves carving beeswax with a knife to create the model. The wax carving is coated with a thin layer of powdered charcoal and dried in the sun.

Charcoal coating is repeated a second time. A mix of soft clay and palm fiber is then prepared to mold the wax carving with two thick layers and an inlet pipe is inserted into the clay mold.

The mold which encapsulates the wax carving is sun– dried for a day and cooked in a traditional oven.

The craftsman uses brass scraps purchased in the market to prepare the alloy. He beats the brass pieces into very small ones

The sprue being coated with the charcoal/water mixture

and melts them in a crucible under high heat from a charcoal fire.

The molten alloy is poured through the pipe that was inserted into the clay mold. The alloy therefore occupies the space left by the molten wax. The clay mold with the cast is then left to cool down for about an hour. The mold is broken, thus revealing a unique brass artifact which is then rinsed and soaked in a mixture of water with lemon juice for two days.

The lemon juice improves gloss. The final touch is given by a meticulous work consisting in filing, sanding, scraping, brushing and polishing.brushing and polishing.

The fiber/clay materials for the final mold

28 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Workshop Regular Beeswax is used to shape the design to be made. For beads, a charcoal core is created and then the bead is made over it in beeswax. The shape, size and design are only limited by the imagination of the creator.

It will be covered with a number of layers of fine charcoal to hold the shape and keep all the intricate details.

This is covered with a mixture of palm fruit fiber and clay to make the final mold. The mold is heated in a fire and the melted wax is poured out, leaving the mold free for the molten brass.

A number of pieces are placed together; each one has a sprue (a channel of beeswax leading from it to a central point). All the

Charcoal core

joined pieces are then covered in the charcoal mixture to hold them together.

Joined pieces in a charcoal mixture

Final Products

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 29

30 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Ghana‘s Bead Jewellery Industry.

The Ghanaian tradition in bead jewel-making dates back to the 5th Century before our era, when craftsmen from the ancient Ghana Empire developed a vibrant goldsmith and jewel-making industry.

New Markets - New Opportunities l 31

Fine and Custom Jewellery.

Jewel-making skills were passed down through generations to the craftsmen of present-day Ghana, previously known as the «Gold Coast» (due to the country’s vast gold deposits) and include such techniques as granulation, lost wax casting, filigree and chasing.

Today, this tradition is evident in the local jewellery industry of over one thousand indigenous artisans, and several medium-size companies based in the cities of Accra and Kumasi.

Sectors Ghana’s jewellery industry can be divided into three main sub-sectors: The fine jewellery category comprises practitioners dealing in precious metal products, including gold, silver, diamonds and colored gemstones. Products in this category are handcrafted meticulously by over 1,000 artisans working in small-scale workshops throughout Ghana. This fact notwithstanding, domestic production of jewellery in this category accounts for only 20 percent of national sales, with the majority of demand being met by imports.

Handcrafted necklace

Custom jewellery is generally produced from base metals, plated or gilded. Some are also produced from brass, wood, plastics, recycled glass beads and textiles. Custom jewellery is worn by many Ghanaians, with imports accounting for over 85 percent of the Ghanaian market.

Accessories and findings include hooks, jump-rings, gold and silver coins, gold and silver sheets, claws, and other findings.

Apart from the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), which has ventured into gold wire and sheet production, there is presently no other company in this sub-sector.

Trends The Government of Ghana, acting through the Ministry of Trade and Industries (MOTI), the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) has put in place a number of promotional activities with the purpose of boosting investment and productivity in the jewellery sector. Since 1992, GEPA has received technical assistance from the UK’s

Necklace out of mixed materials

32 l New Markets - New Opportunities

Commonwealth Secretariat in upgrading local jewellery standards for the international market. Ghanaian jewellery products have been subsequently showcased in the US and Canada to great acclaim.

In addition, the majority of jewelers and goldsmiths in the country have come together under the Federation of Ghanaian Jewelers (FGJ). The Federation is the mouthpiece of the industry in matters of policy with the government, and establishes a forum for monitoring industry trends and carrying out promotional activities.

These activities and others have led to a rise in jewellery domestic production and sales. Official PMMC sales figures show a tripling in the value of products sold between 1993 and 1998. Likewise, the sales performance of FGJ members also indicates a sharp rise over this period, from $1.45 million to $5.78 million.

Advantages Ghana’s jewellery industry is an authentic African tradition that should nevertheless improve its position in local markets. Despite the thriving local industry, still most fine, custom, and accessory jewellery products sold in Ghana are imports. Growing domestic sales, a strong import market, access to neighboring West African

Variations of necklaces

markets (Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and other ECOWAS members), and a proud artisan tradition present investors with unique opportunities. Other advantages include: Raw materials Ghana has an abundant supply of the main raw materials utilized by the jewellery industry. Proven gold reserves in Ghana are estimated at 750 million ounces. Total gold production of 2,537,681 ounces per annum makes Ghana the tenth largest gold producer in the world, and the second largest in Africa. While 10 major mining concerns have an output of over two million ounces of gold per annum, traditional smallholder concerns («galamsey») that sell their gold through PMMC have an annual output of 74,000 ounces. In addition, Ghana also produces ornamental diamonds, with an average annual output of 420,000 carats. In 1999, total diamond production was 442,967 carats. Of this total, 20 percent were gem quality diamonds. Reserves of red jasper and fire agate have also been identified in Ghana.

Bead-jewellery necklace

New Markets - New Opportunities l 33

Human resources Fine jewellery products are handcrafted meticulously by over 1,000 artisans working in small- scale workshops throughout Ghana. Skilled labor is also available at medium-size companies that employ between 5 and 20 each, creating thus a pool of available labor, principally in Accra and Kumasi. The industry also boasts a Jewellery College located at the Weija Industrial and Commercial Estates in Accra, and the Metal Products Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology that turns out skilled artisans each year. A long tradition of artisan jewellery-making provides craftspersons with unique production methods like granulation and lost wax casting.

Cultural heritage Ghana’s jewellery making draws from a vast array of cultural and ethnic designs, including traditional Ashanti and Fanti styles, which enjoy international popularity.

Markets Africans in the diaspora provide a ready market for the wide variety of authentic Ghanaian designs. Jewellery fairs in the Necklace

United States attended by the Federation of Ghanaian Jewelers have revealed strong and increasing international demand for handcrafted Ghanaian jewellery. Furthermore, jewellery exports from Ghana to the US are duty free, providing access to the largest jewellery market in the world

Handcrafted Ghanaian jewellery

34 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Opportunities Investment opportunities exist in the areas of the jewellery sector: Fine Jewellery Fine handcrafted jewellery production; machine-made fine jewellery production; machine-made chains; findings and accessories; gemstones production; diamond cutting and polishing; gold coins, medallions and souvenirs.

Custom Jewellery Base metal jewellery production; plastic jewellery production; textiles and wood jewellery production; electro-foray and gilding plants.

Accessories and Services Assay and stamping office; jewellery tools and equipment; display and packaging.

Horn bangles

Necklace out of different beads

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 35

36 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Ghanaian Associations.

On the following pages we present five associations which are important for the export industry in Ghana.The Ghana Bead Society, ATAG, Ministry of Trade & Industry, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, and Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 37

The Ghana Bead Society.

The Ghana Bead Society was started by a group of bead enthusiasts in 1994 with the following aims: • To develop a knowledge and appreciation of the traditional usage of beads and related arts in Ghana; • To establish a permanent bead collection in Ghana; • To establish a bead reference library of books, photographs, film tape recordings and other kinds of information and data; • To produce and publish a dictionary/encyclopedia of beads found and made in Ghana; • To encourage local bead production and bead related art; • To seek and maintain contact with other bead societies and collectors; • To encourage legislation for the protection and preservation of beads as national heritage.

There are three main distinct styles of modern Krobo powder recycled glass beads: • The group of fused glass fragment beads comprised by translucent or semi-translucent Gige and of the Tsakati variants, made by fusing together fairly large bottle glass or glass bead fragments, which are hot-pierced and receive their final shapes after firing.

• The two-part «Ologo»(round) is the Krobo term for biconeshaped beads, made from pulverized glass, in two halves that are joined together in a second short firing process. They often resemble or try to imitate the so-called Venetian «King» beads or their decorative patterns.

38 l New Markets - New Opportunities

• The «Mue ne Angma«– a term that translates into beads that have been written. Written beads because the decorative patterns are written onto the bead with a pointed tool. These are the conventional powder glass beads made from finely ground glass, with glass slurry decorations that are written on the bead with a pointed wooden stick and fused in a second firing. Many of the designs copy decorative styles that are characteristic of the 1900’s Venetian millefiori and other Venetian-made glass beads in their colourful variations.

The book «The Bead Is Constant« is a first step, as is the restoration and cataloguing of the bead collection of the Museum of Archaeology.

We welcome new members in Ghana!

Contact.

Ghana Bead Society Address P.O.Box MB616, Ministries, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 2433 679 437 Email ghanabeadsociety@gmail.com Contact Chairperson: Elisabeth Winful

New Markets - New Opportunities l 39

ATAG - Aid To Artisans Ghana.

History After several years of supporting the Ghanaian artisans’ community, ATAG has emerged as a key NGO promoting the Ghanaian handicraft industry. Under its current Strategic Plan, ATAG sees itself in the roles of a visionary, innovator, advocate/lobbyist, communicator, diplomat and organizer in the further development of the Craft Industry in Ghana and the sub-region. ATAG was founded by the late Dr. (Mrs) Esther Ocloo and was formally chartered as a non-profit organization in Ghana in 1988.

Vision To be recognized globally as the leading advocate and integrated service provider to the craft industry in Ghana and the sub-region by 2012 Mission Aid to Artisans Ghana (ATAG) is a local non–governmental organization that seeks to enhance income levels and employment generation in the craft industry in Ghana through product design and development, business training, market development, advocacy and advisory services.

Our hallmarks are quality service, cost effectiveness and environment – friendly operations.

As an organization our path to attaining excellence and success is largely driven by the following objectives: • To achieve financial sustainability • To enhance the managerial and administrative capacity of ATAG • To improve marketing of craft products, including souvenirs, on the local market • To improve customer satisfaction • To achieve security and reliability in raw material supply • To improve client relations and thereby increase membership of ACNAG • To improve the database on the craft Industry • To enhance export performance of the craft industry • To develop and strengthen linkages with relevant institutions to address the problems and issues faced by craftspeople, producers and exporters • To respond to information, technology and communication needs of all stakeholders in the craft industry as well as other design related fields and • To develop linkages with other craft stakeholders in the sub-region

40 l New Markets - New Opportunities

Market development strategies include: • Product development and skills training • Training of local designers and professionals at the tertiary level • Business and entrepreneurial development training • Market development • Development and maintenance of raw materials base • Consultancy services - craft development • Development of fair trade business through local retailing and exports Atag Code of Ethics ATAG is a firm believer and supporter of the principles of Fair Trade. By promoting artisan handicraft development for both the local and export markets, ATAG strives to ensure its behavior conforms to the following standards: • Fairness and equality in the training of artisans • Fair trade practices • Environmentally sound and socially responsible behavior Transparency in all of its operations

Contact.

P.M.B. Osu – Accra Address P. O. BOX TF 21 Trade Fair Center, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 0302 77 13 75 Fax +233 0302 77 13 76 Email atag@ataggh.com Email atagoffice2002@yahoo.co.uk Website www.atagh.org Contact Bridged Kyeremateng, Executive Director

New Markets - New Opportunities l 41

Ministry of Trade & Industry.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has overall responsibility for the

Mission

formulation, implementation and monitoring of Ghana‘s internal

The mission of the Ministry is to develop a vibrant, technology-

and external trade. It is the sector ministry that ensures that

driven, liberalized and competitive trade and industrial sector that

Ghana derives maximum benefit from internal trade relations and

significantly contributes to economic growth and employment

that domestic trade is conducted in a smooth and orderly manner.

creation, particularly involving mass mobilization of rural communities and other vulnerable groups including women.

The Ministry seeks to strengthen trade relations with all friendly countries on a most-favored nation basis consistent with her

Vision

membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The promotion

The vision of the Ministry is to establish Ghana as a major

of trade with other developing countries, particularly our sister

manufacturing, value-added, financial and commercial hub in

African countries, continues to be a major concern in the

West Africa by the year 2015. This vision is to be realized through:

endeavor to enlarge Ghana‘s global market and enhance SouthSouth co-operation.

• Formulation policies to facilitate enterprise development

To meet the challenges posed by the changing domestic and

• Developing and enforcing standards in trade and industry;

international trade environment; the Ministry is pursuing proactive

• Promoting and facilitating Ghana‘s internal and export trade with

including MSEs;

policies designed to create conditions for the renewal of Ghanaian industry and commerce.

emphasis on diversification and value-addition; • Promoting and facilitating Ghana‘s active participation in global trade through participation in multilateral Institutions as well as

One major policy measure being employed for the achievement of accelerated and sustainable growth is the Ghana Trade and

championing Ghana‘s market expansion drive; • Recruiting well-trained and highly motivated personnel to serve

Investment Gateway Programme, which seeks to promote

the business and industrial community with utmost efficiency,

foreign direct investment and to establish Ghana as a major

transparency and promptness.

manufacturing, value added, financial and commercial center in West Africa.

42 l New Markets - New Opportunities

Trade sector policies In implementing medium-term policies in the trade sector, account is taken of Ghana’s objectives to fully participate in the globalized market, the rationalization of tariffs and the promotion of intra regional trade.

Policies are therefore being pursued within the framework of national macro-economic objectives and strategies that take into account the opportunities presented by the Uruguay Round results and other multilateral trade agreements. In the medium term, trade sector policies that are the focus of attention are: • Creation of a buoyant and self-sustaining export sector; • Expansion of domestic trade thereby ensuring the countrywide availability of goods at reasonable prices; • Pursuit of efficient and effective import management practices; • Adoption of anti-monopoly legislation and other regulations to protect the consumer; • Pursuit of anti-dumping policies in international trade through rationalization of all tariffs and the identification of all non-tariff barriers to trade; • Active and effective participation in multilateral trade to secure increased market access for Ghana‘s export especially processed and semi-processed goods and to achieve stable, fair and remunerative prices of export interest commodities for Ghana; • Industrial sector policies to promote accelerated and sustainable industrial development within a liberalized and global economic development.

Contact.

Ministry of Trade, Industry Private Sector Development & PSI Address P.O. Box M47, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 302 66 33 27 Fax +233 302 66 24 28 Email mis-moti@africaonline.com.gh Website www.amor.com.mk Contact Honorable Hanna Tetteh, Minister

New Markets - New Opportunities l 43

Ghana Export Promotion Authority.

Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) is the national

Vision Statement

export trade support institution, facilitating the development and

To transform GEPA into a dynamic world-class trade promotion

promotion of Ghana’s non-traditional exports.

organization playing a leading role in developing a dominant and sustained market position for Ghanaian non-traditional exports.

It was established by NLCD 369 in 1969 as an agency of the Ministry of Trade and Industry with the mandate to develop

Mission Statement

and promote Ghanaian exports. Its focus has primarily been to

To build internal systems and strategic external networks

diversify Ghana’s export base from the traditional export products

to develop Ghanaian non-traditional exports throughout the

of gold, cocoa beans, timber logs and lumber and electricity.

value chain and promote Made-in-Ghana goods and services

Currently, there are over 300 different non-traditional export

in strategic markets to achieve national targets for economic

products categorized into agricultural, processed/semi-processed

development.

and handicrafts.

GEPA’s Goal GEPA is positioned in the national export system as a

To ensure that export trade contributes to economic growth

coordinating pivot for the various public and private sector trade

through increased and sustainable production and competitive

agencies involved in trade development and facilitation.

export market access.

Key Programmes include

Objectives

• Market access facilitation for export companies

• To facilitate the development and expansion of the production

• Technical advisory services on export product development • Trade information services • Export related human resources development (Ghana Export School)

base, and the promotion of non-traditional exports from Ghana; • To provide relevant trade information to support competitiveness of Ghanaian exporters and other stakeholders; • To develop Programmes and activities for institutional capacity building of the export community to meet the challenges of the

Some areas for investment in the export sector • Agro processing facilities

global market; • To develop a coordinated national export agenda through the

• Tools & machinery for mechanized mass production

harmonization of export related activities by private and public

• Packaging materials and accessories

sector agencies and other development partners.

• Information technology for marketing & product development • Cooling infrastructure for fresh and processed products

Core Activities and Programmes Since its establishment, the GEPA has undertaken a number of restructuring Programmes to motivate and mobilize private sector initiatives in the export sector. The core activities and Programmes of the GEPA are as follows: • Market access and penetration missions, contact promotion Programmes, trade fairs and exhibitions, buyer-seller meetings and conferences, group-marketing schemes etc.; • Organization of contract production/supply schemes, establishment of Export Production Village schemes, technical advisory services to facilitate product and market development as well as supply chain management; • Dissemination of selective trade information through the maintenance of a trade information and documentation center, a resource center, website and regular print publications.

44 l New Markets - New Opportunities

An Export School that organizes product, market and specialized trade development courses for export companies, trade facilitating agencies and businesses.

How GEPA Operates The GEPA acts as a coordinating pivot for the various public sector and non-governmental bodies involved in trade facilitation.

The Council carries out advocacy services for bodies involved in exports. It organizes workshops, forums, conferences, and seminars for both facilitators of export services and the exporting companies, and identifies products with export potential and adapts them for the export market. GEPA organizes market/ trade missions, contact promotion Programmes, trade fairs and exhibitions, buyer/seller meetings with the purpose of penetrating the competitive international market. It trains exporters and personnel of export facilitating institutions to upgrade their skills in export marketing.

Structure of GEPA The GEPA is governed by a Board of Directors made up of a Chairman and ten (10) representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Food & Agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Investment Promotion Center, and industry such as the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The Chief Executive Officer of GEPA is a member of the board and also responsible for the day-to-day management of the Authority. There are five (5) main functional divisions in the organization, each headed by a director. These divisions are: • Product Development Division (PDD) • Marketing and Promotion Division (MPD) • Research and Information Division (RID)

Contact.

• Finance Division (FD) • Administration and Human Resource Division (AHRD)

Head Office: Republic House Annex, Tudu Road Address P. O. Box M 146, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 302 68 98 89 / +233 302 68 31 53 Fax +233 302 68 32 53 Email gepa@gepaghana.org Website www.gepaghana.org Contact Dr. K. Owusu-Agyeman, Executive Secretary Theodora Froko, in charge of handicraft

New Markets - New Opportunities l 45

Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) is a government

Objectives and functions

agency, re-established under the Ghana Investment Promotion

The GIPC co-ordinates and monitors all investment activities

Centre Act, 1994 (Act 478) to encourage, promote and facilitate

falling under Act 478 and assist both domestic and foreign

investments in all sectors of the economy except mining and

investors in:

petroleum

• Initiating and supporting measures that will enhance the investment climate in the country for both Ghanaian and foreign

It is the one-stop agency that facilitates and supports local and foreign investments in both the manufacturing and services sectors as investors seek more value-creating operations, higher sustainable returns and new business opportunities.

companies; • Promoting investments in and outside Ghana through effective promotion; • Collecting, collating, analyzing and disseminating information about investment opportunities and sources of investment capital, and advising on the availability, choice or suitability of partners in joint-venture projects; • Registering and keeping records of all enterprises to which this Act is applicable; • Identifying specific projects and inviting interested investors for participation in those projects, initiating, organizing and participating in promotional activities such as exhibitions, conferences and seminars to encourage investments; • Liaising investors and ministries, government departments and agencies, institutional lenders and other authorities concerned with investments; • Providing and disseminating up-to-date information on incentives available to investors; • Assisting investors by providing support services including assistance with permitting for the establishment and operation of enterprises; • Evaluating the impact of the center on investments in the country and recommending appropriate changes where necessary; • Registering and keeping records of all technology-transfer agreements relating to investments under this Act; • Performing such other functions as are incidental to the attainment of the objectives of this Act.

46 l New Markets - New Opportunities

Services Investment facilitation • Liaising investors and ministries, government departments and agencies, institutional lenders and other authorities concerned with investments; • Providing and disseminating up-to-date information on investment incentives; • Assisting incoming and existing investors by providing support services including assistance towards obtaining authorizations and permits required for the establishment and operation of enterprises.

Monitoring and evaluation The Ghana Investment Promotion Center co-ordinates and monitors all investments by: • Evaluating its impact on investments in the country and recommending appropriate changes where necessary; • Registering and keeping records of all enterprises to which this Act is applicable; • Registering and keeping records of all technology transfer agreements relating to investments under this Act.

Contact.

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Address P.O. Box M. 193, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 302 66 51 25 Fax +233 302 66 38 1 Email info@gipc.org.gh Website www.gipcghana.com Contact George Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer

New Markets - New Opportunities l 47

48 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Company Profiles.

The following pages provide information about 30 selected companies producing beads, brass and bead jewellery.

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 49

Cedi Beads Industry.

Bead producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter, manufacturer, wholesaler Legal status of company Sole proprietor Foundation year 1996, Beginning of exports 1997 Employees 24 Products/Jewellery Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, single beads.

Materials Locally manufactured thread, fishing line, elastic, selfmade beads.

Monthly production capacity 6,000 bracelets per month Minimum order 100 per item Payment conditions 4 to 8 weeks Delivery time 6 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled

Contact.

Freight and transportation Air cargo or courier service Main customers Bettina Beads (Germany), Jonathan Craft

Cedi Beads Industry

(USA).

Address Royal Cementry Road, P. O. Box 102 Odumase-Krobo E/R Republic of Ghana

Company history Nomoda Ebenezer («Cedi») Djaba lives in

Phone +233 244 817 457 Fax +233 302 679 781 Email cedibeadsindustry@yahoo.com Website www.africancrafts.com

when he started helping his grandfather. The Krobos bead

Contact Nomoda Ebenezer Djaba, Managing Director

50 l New Markets - New Opportunities

Odumase Krobo. His bead manufacturing activity is a family business to which he has been related since he was a chaild tradition is part of the Djaba family’s and Cedi’s life. His operation now employs 18 bead makers.

Dabaah Beads Export Production Village.

Bead producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Manufacturer Legal status of company Enterprise, sole proprietorship for the community Foundation year 1973, Beginning of exports 1990 Employees 50 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, recycled glass beads.

Materials Brass, cotton yarn, nylon string, fishing line, recycled glass beads.

Monthly production capacity 100 single beads, 120 necklaces and 120 bracelets.

Minimum order none Payment conditions 60% down payment Delivery time 6 - 8 weeks depending on the order Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air cargo or courier service

Contact.

Main customers UK, USA, Nigeria.

Dabaah Beads Export Production Village

Company history Based in a traditional bead making village,

Address P. O. Box 29, Akropong, Ashanti Republic of Ghana

Dabaah Beads started as a community-based initiative project in 1973. The search for job opportunities however resulted in most of the young ones leaving the village for the cities and the decline of the traditional bead industry. In 1986, cooperation was established with GEPA to revive the industry in order to train and retain more young people. As a result, a firing kiln was provided

Phone +233 243 575 551 Email monibeads@yahoo.com Contact Michael Asumadu, Manager

to help them produce more. This was basically a traditional set-up where the whole village was making beads.

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 51

Lizzy Beads Manufacturing Company.

Bead producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Manufacturer Legal status of company Sole proprietor Foundation year 1990, Beginning of exports 2000 Employees 8 Number of subcontracted companies 4 Total of subcontracted productive staff 14 Products/Jewellery Necklace, earrings, bracelets, beads.

Materials Local threads, wire, fishing line, glass bottles, nylon string.

Monthly production capacity 8000 pieces Minimum order 500 strings Brands we are working for Sun Trade Ltd. Payment conditions 50% on order rest upon delivery Delivery time 4 to 6 weeks

Contact.

Packing flexibility Special packing requests met

Lizzy Beads Manufacturing Co

Distribution Special distribution requests handled

Address c/o St. Marys Anglican Church, P. O. Box 23 Somanya E.R. Republic of Ghana

Freight and transportation Air cargo or by sea

Phone +233 244 044 112 Email lizzybeads2007@yahoo.com Contact Elisabeth Kumah, Manager

52 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Main customers France, Sierra Leone.

Company history A family business in operation for three generations currently run as a sole proprietorship.

Oklah Beads Industry.

Bead producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter, manufacturer Legal status of company Register Generals Office File Foundation year 1994, Beginning of exports 1997 Employees 7 Products/Jewellery necklaces, bracelets, earrings, key holders Materials Brass, silver, nylon, fishing line, glass beads, glass.

Monthly production capacity 300 strings Minimum order 20 strings Own brands Stock Payment conditions 50% downpayment, rest on delivery Delivery time 4-8 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air cargo or by sea Main customers Gregory Maccarthy (Canada), Sylvia Bauer

Contact.

(Germany), Sand Trade Accra, E-Shop Africa Accra, Joana Accra.

Oklah Beads Industry

Company history Formed in 1994 and registered in 2004 the

Address P.O. Box 1816, Koforidua E.R. Republic of Ghana

company has been in continued operation ever since. Oklah is a registered taxpayer and full compliance employer, that has earned a reputation for its quality glass beads and beads for jewellerymaking, both for the export and local markets.

Phone +233 244 639476 Email oklahtetteh@yahoo.com Contact Okla Tetteh, Owner

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 53

Tet Glass Beads Industry.

Bead producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter, manufacturer, wholesaler Legal status of company Private registered company Foundation year 1997, Beginning of exports 2004 Employees 12 Total of subcontracted productive staff 6 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, earrings.

Materials Local brass hock, fish line, rope, recycled glass.

Monthly production capacity 15,000 Minimum order 50 necklaces, 50 bracelets Own brands Ntaka beads, decorated beads, pendants, encient beads, spades beads, caflick, lip beads, etc.

Payment conditions 50% down payment, rest on delivery Delivery time 4 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met

Contact.

Distribution Special distribution requests handled

Tet Glass Beads Industry

Freight and transportation By air

Address P.O. Box 1530, Accra-North, Accra Republic of Ghana

Main customers Global America, Suntrade, Wild Gecko (Ghana),

Phone +233 244 163 778 Email info@tetbeads.com Website www.tetbeads.com

Company history Family business evolved to sole proprietorship.

Contact Abraham Tetteh, Managing Director

54 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

ATAG.

T.K. Beads Industry Limited.

Bead producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter, manufacturer Legal status of company Sole proprietorship Foundation year 1996, Beginning of exports 2000 Employees 28 Productive staff 22 Products/Jewellery Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, chains, single beads.

Materials Fishing line, thread, recycled glass beads, old beads, plastic, shall, clay.

Monthly production capacity 500 strings Minimum order 1000 beads per design Payment conditions 50% downpayment, rest on delivery Delivery time 2 to 6 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation FOB and the company bears the

Contact.

transportation costs

T.K. Beads Industry Limited

Main customers Germany, USA, Canada.

Address P. O. Box 164, Odumase, Krobo Republic of Ghana

Company history Despite an incomplete basic education, the

Phone +233 244 727 853 Email tkbeadsgh@gmail.com Website www.tkbeadsgh.com

company’s founded has a long experience in the bead industry that started when he began working in the family owned business at age five. The present bead shop opened in 1988, and has been in continued operation ever since.

Contact Florence Kirko, Director

New Markets - New Opportunities l 55

Yohanes Bead Shop.

Bead producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, wholesaler Legal status of company Sole proprietorship Foundation year 1988 Employees 2 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets.

Materials Brass, silver, fishing line, nylon, yarn, recycled glass beads, powdered glass.

Monthly production capacity 16,000 pieces Minimum order â‚Ź 50 Payment conditions 50% prepayment, 50% on delivery Delivery time 4 to 6 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air cargo or courier service

Contact.

Main customers Andrew Yasinsky (Washington) Afrikard Christian, Bambuler (USA).

Yohanes Bead Shop Address P. O. Box 16, Aboabo, Koforidua E.R. Republic of Ghana Phone +233 246 406 545 Email Yohanesbeads@yahoo.com Contact Yohanes Kwesi Nahr, Managing Directoraa

56 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Company history The sale of beads began in 1986 at the Odumase Krobo bead market. The production of beads started later in 1993. For three generations the art of bead-making has been a family tradition and main occupation that the present owners learned in their childhood.

Akwasi Nortey Brass Works.

Brass producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, manufacturer Legal status of company Enterprise Foundation year 1981, Beginning of exports 2000 Employees 11 Products/Jewellery Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, key holders, hangeres.

Materials Brass, nylon, fishing line, recycled glass beads, wax.

Monthly production capacity 1500 hangers Minimum order 100 pieces Payment conditions 50% payment before export rest upon delivery Delivery time 6 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air cargo, Semak, by sea Main customers USA, Ghana.

Company history After graduating from high school in 1993, the company founder worked as an apprentice in a family bead business. Established as an independent business in 1995, the company began sending products to Togo. After learning about ATAG, it did its first export in 2001.

Contact.

Akwasi Nortey Brass Works Address P. O. Box 9233, Kumasi Republic of Ghana Phone +233 244 518 093 Email brasscraft2005@yahoo.com Contact Akwasi A. Nortey, Managing Director

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 57

Fosu Handicraft.

Brass producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Manufacturer Legal status of company Sole proprietorship Foundation year 1993, Beginning of exports 1995 Employees 2 Number of subcontracted productive staff 2 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, earrings, beads.

Materials Brass, cotton thread, nylon, bee wax, palm fibre, clay, charcoal.

Monthly production capacity 5000 pieces Minimum order 10 pieces Payment conditions 50% down payment, 50% upon delivery Delivery time 2-4 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled

Contact.

Freight and transportation Air cargo or courier service

Fosu Handicraft

Main customers Accra Diplomatic Shop (Ghana)

Address P.O. Box 656, Ampabame, Kumasi Republic of Ghana

Company history My inspiration came while working as an

Phone +233 207 297 383 Email emmanuelfosu42@yahoo.com

company. It is now officially registered at the Registrar General’s

Contact Emmanuel Fosu, Owner

58 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

apprentice for my uncle. In 1993 I was able to set up my own Department.

Gee Creation.

Brass producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Manufacturer, exporter Legal status of company Sole proprietorship Foundation year 1985, Beginning of exports 1985 Employees 20 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, earrings, figures.

Materials Recycled brass, fishing line, cotton thread.

Monthly production capacity 2000 pieces Minimum order 20 pieces Payment conditions 50% down payment, 50% upon delivery Delivery time 4-6 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air cargo Main customers Atag, Accra, Fatuma, Togo Company history Started a community project in TH town in 1985, in 1990, the present owner moved out with his uncle to register a company that he has managed independently since 2001.

Contact.

Gee Creations Address P. O. Box 233 FNT, Kumasi Republic of Ghana Phone +233 277 270 303 Email aduk.michael2006@yahoo.com Contact Eric Mensah, Owner

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 59

Kofi Amponsem Brass Work.

Brass producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, wholesaler, manufacturer Legal status of company Sole proprietorship Foundation year 2005 Employees 30 Products/Jewellery Rings, necklaces, bracelets, hangers, figures, candleholders.

Materials Brass, fishing line, nylon thread, recycled brass beads, clay, wax, palm nut fiber.

Monthly production capacity 1500 - 2000 pieces Minimum order 100 pieces Payment conditions FOB 50% downpayment on order, 50% after delivery Delivery time 4-6 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled

Contact.

Main customers Manhyia Palace, Kumasi Atag, Accra and Kumasi Craftmen Assoc. Cultural Centre.

Kofi Amponsem Brass Works Address P. O. Box KS 11592, Kumasi Republic of Ghana Phone +233 243 818 557 Email kofiamponsem2007@yahoo.com Contact Kofi Amponsem, Owner

60 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Company history Upon graduation from junior high school, the present owner became an apprentice in his brother’s bead industry and finally started an independent company in 2005.

Paula Handicraft.

Brass producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Manufacturer Legal status of company Enterprise – sole proprietorship Foundation year 2000, Beginning of exports 2000 Employees 20 Subcontracted companies 2 Total of subcontracted productive staff 40 Products/Jewellery Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, chains.

Materials Thread, wire, nylon, recycled brass.

Monthly production capacity 10,000 pieces Minimum order 2000 pieces Payment conditions 50% on order, 50% on delivery Delivery time 4-6 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled

Contact.

Freight and transportation Air cargo or ship

Paula Handicraft

Main customers Haigh, Fiema Crafts & Tours, Trading Roots (United Kingdom),Virginia Tyler (USA).

Address P. O. Box 11592, Kumasi Republic of Ghana

Company history The company started exporting to Virginia Tyler

Phone +233 244 524 998 Email ponsahgh@yahoo.com

in the USA in 2000, and since then it has exported to the United Kingdom and Germany. Paul won an award to study in Italy in 2005 in a UNESCO sponsored Programme.

Contact Kwaku Ampong, Managing Director

New Markets - New Opportunities l 61

Provident Creation.

Brass producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Manufacturer Legal status of company Enterprise Foundation year 1995, Beginning of exports 1995 Employees 10 Subcontracted companies 2 Number of subcontracted productive staff 8 Products/Jewellery Hangers, beads, door handles, Christmas ornaments.

Materials Recycled brass, fishing line, nylon.

Monthly production capacity 1500 pieces Minimum order 10 pieces Payment conditions 50% prepayment, 50% upon delivery Delivery time 4-6 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met

Contact.

Distribution Special distribution requests handled

Provident Creation

Freight and transportation Air or maritime freight

Address P. O. Box 11592, Kumasi Republic of Ghana

Main export destinations USA, Thailand, UK.

Phone +233 243 568 874 Email burgessagyemang@yahoo.com

Company history The company company has been a family

Contact Burgess Agyemang, Owner

62 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

operation for two generations. The present owner started working in the family business as a teenager before setting out independently.

Adkobs Enterprise.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Exporter, designer Legal status of company Sole proprietorship Foundation year 1989 Employees 18 Subcontracted companies 3 Number of subcontracted productive staff 16 Product /Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, earrings.

Materials Nickel free hooks, nylon threads, glass, recycled glass, plastic.

Monthly production capacity 80 pieces Minimum order 60 pieces Payment conditions Letters of credit or telegraphic transfer Delivery time 3 - 6 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met at extra cost Distribution Special distribution requests handled at extra cost

Contact.

Freight and transportation Air cargo or courier service

Adkobs Enterprise

Main customers Gallery Hubert (Germany), Frank Koestler

Address P.O. Box 19751, Accra-North Republic of Ghana

(Germany), Public in Ghana.

Company history The company was formed in the early 80s as a sole proprietorship. We produce and export jewellery made from recycled glass beads, old trade beads and brass.

Phone +233 244 065 800 Fax +233 21 777 098 Email cequences@hotmail.com Contact Cecilia Welsing, Manager

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 63

Aduana Fair Trade Beads and Accessory Designs.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter, manufacturer Legal status of company Sole proprietorship, enterprise Foundation year 2006 Employees 5 Number of subcontracted productive staff 10 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, chains.

Materials fFshing line, thread, shall, glass, brass, bone.

Monthly production capacity 800 pieces Payment conditions 50% on order and 50% on delivery Delivery time 4 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air cargo or courier service

Contact.

Main markets Tourist market, Ghana.

Company history I have been a bead designer for the past

Aduana Fair Trade Beads and Accessory Designs

two years and have also learned batik and tie dye. My husband

Address P. O. Box KS 10395, Kumasi, Republic of Ghana

encouragement. I discovered I had a natural ability and interest for

Phone +233 242 715 593 Fax +233 512 5306 Email murphyadu@yahoo.com Contact Yvonne Adu Murphy, Owner

64 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

helped get my accessory supplies and gave me the needed trade while working as an apprentice.

Afrikeuro Beads Designing.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer Legal status of company Sole proprietorship Foundation year 1995, Beginning of exports 2004 Employees 4 Number of subcontracted productive staff 5 Products/Jewellery Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, key holders.

Materials Brass, fishing line, glass, bone, stones, wood.

Monthly production capacity 2000 pieces Payment conditions 60% down payment on order, 40% on delivery Delivery time 6-8 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air cargo or courier service Main customers Local market Company history The business started as a bags and accessories manufacturing outfit. Bead jewellery design and productions did not start until 1996. Presently runs a school to teach young women bead jewellery-making.

Contact.

Afrikeuro Beads Designing Address Ga Manahe Palace Street, P.O. Box KN 46 Kaneshie Polyclinick, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 244 665 754 Email afrikeurobeads@yahoo.com Contact Lydia Amankwaah, Owner

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 65

Ahene Pa Nkasa Ltd. Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Legal status of company Registered Foundation year 1999, Beginning of exports 2000 Employees 3 Number of subcontracted companies 6 Number of subcontracted productive staff 20 Products/Jewellery Locally made recycled glass, lost wax cast brass beads, strung on acculon beading cable, earring hooks from anti- allergicen stainless steel.

Materials Locally made gold and silver plated copper wire hooks, imported Acculon 7-strand steel cable beading wire, recycled glass beads, old beads, European & Indian beads.

Monthly production capacity 400 pieces Minimum order 300 EUR Payment conditions 60% down payment, balance before shipping Delivery time 6 weeks

Contact.

Freight and transportation Airfreight, DHL and by mail

Ahene pa Nkasa Ltd.

Main customers Canada, Grenada, UK, South Africa, Switzer-

Address 11 Otswe Link, Nyaniba Estates, P.O. Box OS 2364 Osu, Accra Republic of Ghana

Company history Trish Ghaham has lived in Africa for more than

Phone +233 208 140 500 Email trish.beadlady@gmail.com Website www.ahenepankasa.com Contact Trish Ghaham, Designer/Director

land, South Africa, UK, Zanzibar.

20 years. She works together with talented local craftsmen to create new and interesting beads based on a long tradition. The business was formalized in October 2006. Building on Ghana’s long tradition of bead making, and focusing on beads made locally from recycled materials, the business produces a unique line of contemporary pieces. In addition to the production unit, the company runs wholesale retail outlets and is preparing to start exports worldwide.

66 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Asanbeads Enterprise.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Wholesaler, designer, exporter Legal status of company Enterprise Foundation year 1998, Beginning of exports 2000 Employees 12 Number of subcontracted companies 6 Total of subcontracted productive staff 18 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, key holders, earrings.

Materials Nylon thread, wire thread, recycled beads, bronze trade beads.

Monthly production capacity 3000 $ Minimum order 8000 pcs Own brand Asanbeads Shops in Ghana 1 Payment conditions FOB, Bankstransfer Delivery time 6-8 weeks

Contact.

Packing flexibility Special packing requests met

Asanbeads Enterprise

Distribution Special distribution requests met

Address P.O. Box AD 341 Adabraka, 23321 Accra Republic of Ghana

Freight and transportation Post, registred mail

Phone +233 244 851 95 Email asanbead@yahoo.com

Main customers Bead shops in USA, UK, Germany.

Company history Asanbeads started off as a small retail outlet

Contact Janet A. Woode,Owner

and developed into a production unit. Now we have wholesale, retail outlets and we are ready for the world market.

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 67

Beadsvalue.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, manufacturer, exporer Legal status of company Enterprise Foundation year 2009 Employees 7 Products / Jewellery Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings.

Materials Copper, fishing line, thread, glass, crystals.

Monthly production capacity 1500 waist beads, 300 necklaces Payment conditions Cash Packing flexibility We can meat special packing request Main customers Private individuals Company history A hobby turned into a successful business.

Contact.

Beadsvalue Address Jungle Road, P.M.B 175 Airport Republic of Ghana Email jacquelineosei@gmail.com Contact Jacqueline Anna Osei, Creative Director and Owner

68 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Chic Accessories.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, manufacturer, wholesaler Legal status of company Sole proprietorship Foundation year 2010 Employees 3 Number of subcontracted companies 1 Products/Jewellery Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, chains.

Materials Recycled glass beads, old beads, brass beads.

Monthly production capacity 100 necklaces Minimum order 12 pieces Payment conditions 60% down payment Delivery time 4 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Main customers Nigeria, UK, USA.

Contact.

Company history What started as a hobby turned into a

Chic Accessories

successful business.

Address P.O.Box CT 250, Cantonments, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 027 908 1210 Email sibaadom@yahoo.co.uk Contact Siba Adom, Chief Creative Officer and Owner

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 69

Craftmans Studio.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, wholesaler, exporter Legal status of company Sole proprietorship Foundation year 1990, Beginning of exports 1993 Employees 12 Total of subcontracted productive staff 25 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, earrings.

Materials Silver, gold plated, brass, hypo-allergenic steel, cotton, linen, leather, flax, coated steel, recycled glass, brass, wood, seeds, horn, bone.

Monthly production capacity 300-500 pieces Minimum order 50 pieces Own brands Craftmans Studio Payment conditions 50% prepayment, rest upon delivery Delivery time 3-6 weeks

Contact.

Craftmans Studio Address P.O. Box 6345, No. 2 Lankai St. Extension North Kaneshie Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 302 230 730 / +233 302 230 730 Email craftsjn47@yahoo.com Contact Joana Lekia Nelson, Proprietress

70 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air cargo or courier service Main customers Gallery Africa (USA), Moda Weber (Switzerland), Fair-Handel GmbH (Germany).

Company history Craftmans Studio was established in 1990. It is a handicraft producing company that makes custom jewellery, dolls, bags, fashion and home accessories. We create and design 90% of our products.

Ele Agbe Company Limited.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter, wholesaler, manufacturer Legal status of company Limited Liability Company Foundation year 1996, Beginning of exports 2000 Employees 50 Subcontracted companies 6 Total of subcontracted productive staff 60 Products/Jewellery Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, chains, bead bag (plastic), bead slippers (plastic).

Materials Locally produced hocks and locks, fishing line, thread, recycled glass beads and plastic.

Monthly production capacity 1000 pieces Minimum order 1000 pieces per design Shops in Ghana 3 Payment conditions 50% deposit, rest upon delivery Delivery time 8-12 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air cargo or courier service Main customers Ten Thousands Villages (USA), Global Girl Friend (USA) Company history Ele agbe is an Ewe phrase meaning «god is alive». The company employs more than 50 young people, mostly women, and offers training Programmes for under-educated youth.

Contact.

Ele Agbe Company Limited Address P. O. Box AC 586, Arts Centre, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 244 152 263 Fax +233 21 512 572 Email eleagbe@yahoo.com Website www.eleagbe.com Contact Comfort Adjahoe, Managing Director

New Markets - New Opportunities l 71

Emefa Jewellery Production Limited.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter, manufacturer Legal status of company Limited liability Foundation year 1993 Employees 20 Products/Jewellery Rings, neclaces, bracelets, earrings, chains.

Materials Stainless steel, brass, leather, bead, gold, silver.

Shops in Ghana 2 Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Company history Emefa Jewellery Production Limited is specialized in custom jewellery and has been in business for 15 years.

Contact.

Emefa Jewellery Production Limited Address Atomic-Haatso Road, P.O. Box 470 Madina, Accra, Republic of Ghana Phone +233 27 756 21 88 Email emefaproduction@yahoo.ca Website www.emefajewellery.com Contact David Apim-Tetteh, C.E.O

72 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Evelyn‘s Place.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Manufacturer, designer Legal status of company Enterprise Foundation year 1992, Beginning of exports 1994 Employees 4 Number of subcontracted companies 2 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, key holders, napkin rings, table cloth & crafts.

Materials Locally made hocks, fishing line, recycled glass beads, cray beads.

Monthly production capacity Above 500 pieces Minimum order 5 pieces or above € 60 Payment conditions 50% prepayment 50% upon delivery of order Delivery time 4-6 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled

Contact.

Freight and transportation Air and sea cargo

Evelyn’s Place

Main destinations Liz Wald USA, ED Imports UK.

Address P. O. Box AT 1079, Achimota, Accra Republic of Ghana

Company history Established in 1992, the company now hires

Phone +233 261 255 805 Email evelynsplaceaol@yahoo.com

12 employees working in separate sewing and bead jewellery department. The owner also runs a jewellery training school for young girls.

Contact Evelyn Tettey , Manageress

New Markets - New Opportunities l 73

Gees Creations.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter Legal status of company Sole proprietorship Foundation year 2004, Beginning of exports 2004 Employees 3 Number of subcontracted companies 10 Products/Jewellery Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, key holders, anklets.

Materials Imported locks, fishing line, leather, recycled glass, brass, bone, wood, shell, plastic.

Monthly production capacity 2000 pieces Own brands Gees Creations Minimum order 20 pieces Payment conditions Cash/bank check; 60% down payment on order; 40% on delivery Delivery time 4-8 weeks after confirmation of order

Contact.

Packing flexibility Special packing requests met

Gees Creation

Distribution Special distribution requests handled

Address P.O. Box 12393, Accra-North Republic of Ghana

Freight and transportation Air cargo or courrier service

Phone +233 277 573 483 Email gmensgharb@gmail.com

Main customers Local market

Contact Grace Mensah-Gharbin, Designer

Company history The present owner started the business as a bead-making teaching outfit for the poor in the region of Accra and to help them start their own trade. Through their participation in fairs and exhibitions, this operation evolved into its present business status.

74 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Ndzema Ghana Ltd. Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter Legal status of company Registered Foundation year 2003, Beginning of exports 2003 Employees 2 Number of subcontracted companies 2 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, earrings.

Materials Brass, pewter, silver, wire thread, rope, glass, resin, shell, wood, horn, iron, clay.

Monthly production capacity 100 pieces on average Own brands Ndzema Minimum order 10 pieces Payment conditions 60% on order, 40% upon delivery Delivery time Negotiable Packing flexibility Standard packaging per item but special requests can be handled Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air freight or by sea Main export destinations Italy, France, Ghana, South Africa.

Company history Ndzema was registered in Cape Town, South Africa in 2003 retailing Ghanaian printed table linen, African arts, wood carvings, brass figurines, clay objects, beads, brass trinkets, beaded jewellery and paintings. Ndzema Ghana was later established and whilst we try to maintain our market in South

Contact.

Ndzema Ghana Ltd Address 4 Tessa Road, East Legon, P.O. Box CT 3371 Cantonments, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 246 910 000 Email jardikordylas@hotmail.com Contact Tanya Jardi Kordylas , Director

Africa, we are currently trying to establish markets in Europe.

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 75

Okycraft Company Limited.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter Legal status of company Limited Liability Company Foundation year 1993, Beginning of exports 1994 Employees 4 Number of subcontracted companies 5 Total of subcontracted productive staff 20 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, chains.

Materials Brass, nylon monofilament, twine and flexible wire, recycled glass.

Monthly production capacity 300 - 500 pieces Minimum order 50 pieces Payment conditions 50% down payment, 50% on delivery Delivery time 4-12 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met

Contact.

Distribution Special distribution requests handled

Okycraft Company Limited

Freight and transportation Air freight

Address No. 4, Ebony Lane, Theshie-Nungua Estate P.O. Box TS 495, Teshie, Accra Republic of Ghana

Main customers Arts & Crafts (Norway), Collection (Germany),

Phone +233 243 614 923 Email okycraft@yahoo.co.uk

Company history Okycraft has been in the custom jewellery

Contact Nonyem Abena Ibeneme, Managing Director

Andres Banon (Spain).

business since 1993. The founding principle of Okycraft is the desire for our jewellery to be worn. In designing our jewellery, our beliefs and themes are embedded in the rich history and culture of ghana. We however have adapted our designs and colors to suit European fashion trends and tastes.

76 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Phismag.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Manufacturer, designer Legal status of company Enterprise Foundation year 2007, Beginning of exports 2010 Employees 2 Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belts, slippers.

Materials Locally available hocks, wire, threads, fishing line, old beads, small glass beads, brass, metal cup pendant.

Monthly production capacity Determined by design Minimum order 100 pieces per design Payment conditions 70% down payment Delivery time 4 weeks Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Fedex Main customers Kofi Ansah (Ghana), Deola (Nigeria), Masai

Contact.

(Kenya)

Phismag

Company history A hobby turned into a successful business.

Address P.O. Box DK 404, Darkuman, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 266 116 880 Email gyekyebea@yahoo.com Contact Mary Gyekyebea, Owner, designer

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 77

Possible Creations.

Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, manufacturer Legal status of company Enterprise Foundation year 2005, Beginning of exports 2005 Employees 4 Subcontracted companies 1 Number of productive staff 3 Total of subcontracted productive staff 3 Products/Jewellery Ornaments, beads, boxes.

Materials Recycled brass.

Monthly production capacity 300 pieces Minimum order 100 pieces Payment conditions 50% down payment Delivery time 8 weeks

Contact.

Possible Creations Address P.O. Box KS 14194, Kumasi Republic of Ghana Phone +233 244 863 938 Email possiblecreation@yahoo.com Contact Christian K. Frimpong, Owner

78 l  New Markets - New Opportunities

Packing flexibility Special packing requests met Distribution Special distribution requests handled Freight and transportation Air cargo or by sea Main export destinations Denmark, Germany, Netherland, Togo.

Sun Trade Ltd. Bead jewellery producer Correspondence language English Type of activity Designer, exporter, manufacturer, wholesaler Legal status of company Limited liability company Foundation year 1996, Beginning of exports 2004 Employees 4 Total of subcontracted productive staff 5 Branches/representatives in Denmark, Hungary, USA. Nature and parties of foreign collaboration DANIDA project, private export partnership.

Products/Jewellery Necklaces, bracelets, earrings,bag decorations.

Materials Locally manufactured bronze hocks, fishing line, thread, rope, recycled glass beads, brass beads, bone, horn.

Monthly production capacity 200 - 400 pieces Own brands Suntrade Subcontractor for Ellen & Lundqist - Denmark Christmas Ornaments Minimum order 10 pieces Payment conditions 60% down payment, 40% upon delivery Delivery time 8 weeks Freight and transportation Air cargo/courir Main export destinations Denmark, Hungary, USA. Company history Kati Torda (Dagadu), a bead collector and jewellery designer, started this company as a permanent design

Contact.

Sun Trade Ltd Address C522/3 Mango Tree Ave. Asylum Down P.O. Box CT2418, Accra Republic of Ghana Phone +233 244 689 639 Fax +233 302 235 05 82 Email katitorda@gmail.com Contact Kati Torda, Managing Director

and retail outlet for the growing number of customers interested in her collections.

New Markets - New Opportunities   l 79

List of Contacts.

In Ghana: • Ghana Bead Society

• Ghana Investment Promotion Centre George Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer P.O. Box M. 193

Elisabeth Winful

Accra, Republic of Ghana

P.O. Box MB616, Ministries

Phone +233 302 66 51 25

Accra, Republic of Ghana

Fax +233 302 66 38 1

Phone +233 2433 679 437, Fax +233 21 76 54 66

info@gipc.org.gh

ghanabeadsociety@gmail.com

www.gipcghana.com

• ATAG (Aid to Artisans Ghana) Mrs. Bridgitte Kyeremanteng

In Switzerland: • Osec

Pavilion X Trade Fair Center, La - Accra

SIPPO Swiss Import Promotion Programme

P.M.B. Osu – Accra

Stampfenbachstrasse 85

P. O. BOX TF 21 Trade Fair, Accra

CH-8006 Zurich

Republic of Ghana

Phone: + 41 44 365 51 51

Phone +233 0302 771 375, Phone +233 21 77 13 76

Fax: + 41 44 365 52 02

Fax +233 0302 77 13 76

E-mail: sippo@osec.ch

atag@ataggh.com, atagoffice2002@yahoo.co.uk

www.sippo.ch

www.atagh.org • Ministry of Trade,

• Importer lea kray-joyjewels Lea Krayenbühl

Industry Private Sector Development & PSI

St. Peterhofstatt 3

Hon. Hannah Tetteh, Minister

CH-8001 Zurich

P.O. Box M47, Accra, Republic of Ghana

Phone +41 43 497 25 10

Phone +233 302 66 33 27, Fax +233 302 66 24 28

Fax +41 43 497 25 10

mis-moti@africaonline.com.gh

leakray@yahoo.com www.joyjewels.com

• Ghana Export Promotion Authority Republic House Annex Dr. K. Owusu-Agyeman, Executive Secretary Annex, Tudu Road, P. O. Box M 146 Accra, Republic of Ghana Phone +233 21 68 98 89, Phone +233 21 68 315 3 Fax +233 21 677256 koaexpo@yahoo.com gepa@gepaghana.org www.gepaghana.org

80 l New Markets - New Opportunities

Abbrevations.

ACNAG

ATAG Craft Network Association of Ghana

BC

Before Christ

AD

After death of Christ

ATAG

Aid to Artisans Ghana

CPP

Convention People’s Party

ECOWAS

Economic Community Of West African States

EU

European Union

FGJ

Federation of Ghanaian Jewelers

FOB

Free on board

GDP

Gross Domestic Product

GEPA

Ghana Export Promotion Authority

GH

Ghana

GHS

Ghanaian Cedi

GIPC

Ghana investment Promotion Centre

MOTI

Ministry of Trade and Industries

NGO

Non-Governmental Organization

NDC

National Democratic Congress (NDC)

NPP

New Patriotic Party

NRP

National Reform Party

PMMC

Precious Minerals Marketing Company

PNC

People’s National Convention

SIPPO

Swiss Import Promotion Programme

UGM

United Ghana Movement

UNESCO

United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organization

UK

United Kingdom

US/USA

United States of America

WTO

World Trade Organization

Important notice The information and data contained in this publication are drawn from a variety of sources and have been researched with the greatest possible care. Persons wishing to use information from this publication do so at their own risk.

Osec as well as third parties who have provided input for the various chapters assume no liability for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information published in the Investor’s Handbook.

New Markets - New Opportunities l 81

Osec Swiss Import Promotion Programme Stampfenbachstrasse 85 CH-8006 Zurich Phone +41 44 365 51 51 Fax +41 44 365 52 02 sippo@osec.ch Copyright Š Osec March 2012. All rights reserved.

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