Smock weaving as an economic vocation and non- traditional export in the Upper East Region, is one of the major sources of livelihood among many communities but the weavers are challenged.

The region had over the years produced quality smocks, which were being patronized locally and internationally but in recent times, weavers found it difficult to get easy access to inputs such as the thread to enhance quality weaving.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga, Madam Patience Atinga, the Vice President of the Association said smock weaving was a lucrative business that had the potential to reduce poverty and improve the living standard of the people and appealed to the Ministry of Trade and Industry to pay more attention to it.

She said many young people were interested in smock weaving and encouraging them to go into that sector, would help curtail rural urban migration.She said even though the thread was a significant component of the smock, it was not produced in the Region and had to be bought from the Northern Region and Burkina Faso, which made it too expensive for the youth to go into the business.

She therefore advocated for a smock factory to be established in the region to ensure the production of the inputs especially the thread to enhance production of the smock. 

This, Madam Atinga stated, would enable weavers get the thread at moderate prices that would enable them earn more profit to keep them in business and improve their livelihoods.

Madam Atinga said the Association started in 2007 with only 20 members but could now boast of over 100 members. It has been registered under the Business Advocacy Centre (BAC) and the National Vocation Training Institute (NVTI).

She commended the NVTI for their support over the years particularly conducting of examinations for their apprentices and assistance in paying part of the fees each term.Madam Atinga admonished her colleagues to be honest when dealing with their clients as it was a mechanism for attracting and retaining customers.