The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has taken a bold step to bridge the market access gap for Bolgatanga’s renowned basket exporters by training them in digital marketing to help expand their reach beyond Ghana’s borders.
In a bid to boost the fortunes of one of the Upper East Region’s most iconic crafts, the Northern Zonal Office of the GSA brought together basket exporters for a skills-packed workshop in Bolgatanga. The training, which focused on the use of digital tools for marketing, aimed to help exporters tap into global markets without relying solely on traditional sales channels.
The session formed part of a broader cluster engagement with the exporters, following earlier discussions with their leadership in collaboration with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority. At the meeting held on Thursday, 14th August 2025, the exporters raised concerns over market access, high shipping costs, and difficulties with Letters of Commitment (LoC) from the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
The Northern Zonal Manager of the GSA, Mr. Frederick Atogiyire, provided updates on efforts to resolve these challenges. He informed the exporters that the GSA has initiated talks with shipping service providers such as DHL and Ghana Post to regulate and approve their charges. He also highlighted progress made after the GSA petitioned the BoG on exchange rate applications in the shipping sector, a move that has already contributed to reduced freight costs and port duties.
The highlight of the day was the digital marketing session, led by Mr. Albert Naa Bogbire, Head of the Web and Apps Unit at Bolgatanga Technical University. He demonstrated how exporters could harness online platforms to showcase their products, connect directly with buyers, and access markets they had never reached before.
Mr. Jonathan Atua, CEO of Heritage Baskets, speaking on behalf of the exporters, expressed deep appreciation to the GSA for what he described as timely and practical support that could transform their businesses.
With global demand for authentic, handcrafted goods on the rise, the training marks a critical turning point for Bolgatanga’s basket industry. Its colorful weaves and sophisticated patterns could soon be decorating homes and boutiques around the world.
