The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) has urged members of the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA) to transform their skills and creativity into sustainable businesses that can create wealth and employment.
The call was made by ICU-Ghana General Secretary, Brother Morgan Ayawine, in a keynote address read on his behalf by the Deputy General Secretary in charge of Operations, Emmanuel Benimah, at the opening of the GHABA Hair and Beauty Festival 2026 at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Mr. Ayawine said the festival’s theme, “Transforming the Beauty Industry Through Skills, Creativity and Enterprise Development,” was timely, particularly as the beauty industry continues to provide opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and employment.
He encouraged GHABA members to move beyond acquiring professional skills and turn their expertise into viable enterprises.
“Let the skills and creativity you have acquired evolve into viable and sustainable enterprises that will create wealth and opportunities for yourselves, your families, and future generations,” he said.
Mr. Ayawine also highlighted the longstanding relationship between ICU-Ghana and GHABA, dating back to the association’s formative years in the 1970s.
He said ICU-Ghana had supported GHABA’s development over the years, including providing opportunities for its trainers to benefit from international cosmetology training and exposure.
The experience, he noted, enabled the trainers to pass on valuable knowledge, skills, and international best practices to their trainees, contributing to the professional growth of the association.
He commended GHABA’s leadership, trainers, and members for their commitment and achievements over the years.
The ICU-Ghana General Secretary urged members who wished to establish businesses not to wait until they had substantial capital.
He advised them to start modestly, acquire basic equipment and gradually expand their operations as their customer base and income grow.
He also encouraged members to explore legitimate sources of financing, including personal savings, family support, banks and microfinance institutions.
According to him, determination, discipline, honesty, good customer service and proper management would be essential to building successful enterprises.
He further urged participants to use the festival to network, attract potential customers, exchange contacts and promote their services.
Mr. Ayawine said the ultimate goal should be to transform professional skills into opportunities, creativity into value, and enterprises into sustainable sources of income, employment and wealth.
He wished GHABA members a successful and productive festival and reaffirmed ICU-Ghana’s commitment to its longstanding relationship with the association.
