This craft, predominantly upheld by the women of the village, has not only been a cultural cornerstone but also a vital source of income for families.

However, despite its deep-rooted tradition, the mat weaving industry faces significant challenges that hinder its ability to contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

While the mats crafted in Aglokpovia are symbols of skill and resilience, the industry is hampered by outdated tools, lack of market access, and insufficient investment.

The intricate designs woven into each mat reflect hard work and dedication, but for many women, the opportunity to benefit from their craft remains out of reach.

A Tradition on the Brink

Victoria Dzekloe, the Assemblywoman and Presiding Member of the South Tongu District, describes mat weaving as both a gift and a challenge for her community.

“This is more than just a craft; it’s part of who we are. Yet, our women are unable to fully benefit because there are no structured ways to market their mats effectively,” she lamented.

Weavers rely on simple, traditional tools and materials to create mats that reflect resilience and skill. However, the absence of a centralized market or proper storage means that many products remain unsold for weeks, even months.

“You see the mats stacked up in homes, collecting dust while their creators struggle to make ends meet,” Dzekloe explained.

A Vision for Change

Determined to change the narrative, Dzekloe and the people of Aglokpovia have a bold vision: a state-of-the-art mat weaving centre that will serve as a production hub, marketplace, and economic springboard.

This facility would enable bulk sales and attract buyers from neighbouring countries such as Togo and Nigeria, opening up new markets and opportunities for local weavers.

“Imagine a place where our women can showcase their mats to the world, where buyers can come directly to purchase in bulk. This would not only increase income but also put South Tongu on the map as a centre of cultural and economic excellence,” Dzekloe explained.

Economic Empowerment Through Heritage

The proposed mat weaving centre promises to do more than just enhance sales. It would empower women financially, allowing them to provide better education for their children, access healthcare, and invest in their futures.

“This is not just about selling mats; it’s about creating a ripple effect that will uplift our entire community,” Dzekloe emphasised.

Additionally, the centre could serve as a cultural landmark, preserving the art of mat weaving for future generations, while promoting eco-friendly, locally sourced products that align with global sustainability goals.

A Call for Urgent Action

To bring this vision to life, Dzekloe is calling on local authorities, development partners, NGOs, and philanthropic organisations to invest in the community.

“We need financial and technical support to build this centre and train our women in modern marketing techniques. This is an opportunity to transform lives and showcase the richness of our culture,” she urged.

For the women of Aglokpovia, the weaving loom is more than just a tool; it is a lifeline and a testament to their strength and creativity.

With the right support, this vibrant tradition can become a powerful engine for economic transformation, breathing new life into South Tongu and setting a precedent for community-driven development.

The people of South Tongu now await the world’s response to their call – a call to preserve heritage, empower women, and unlock the boundless potential of a craft that has sustained them for generations.

ALSO READ:

• Teenage pregnancy on the surge in South Tongu District

• Education Director denies knowledge of abandoned ICT centre in South Tongu 

She assured that efforts are underway to reverse current trends, emphasizing that only an NDC government can lead Ghana to the promised land.

Ms. Nartey criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for not doing enough to revamp the ailing economy, ensure rapid business growth, and reduce the high cost of living.

She made the appeal during an interview with Adom News correspondent Odehyeba Owusu at a 24-hour health walk organized by the NDC parliamentary candidate for South Tongu, Lukutor Maxwell, at Angor enclave in the South Tongu District.

Ms. Nartey encouraged women to have confidence in the NDC and support the party’s return to power in the upcoming 2024 elections. She urged them to continue supporting the party, noting that their efforts will be remembered.

She also highlighted the economic hardships faced under the current NPP government, linking it to a rise in broken marriages, and called on women in South Tongu and beyond to vote out the NPP on December 7.

Ms. Nartey encouraged women to promote the NDC’s achievements in markets, churches, and other public gatherings and to pray flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama to become President.

Former Constituency Chairman of the NDC for South Tongu, Henry Ampah, emphasized the need for prudent economic measures and urged Ghanaians to fully support the NDC government to achieve its goals.

ALSO READ:

Four arrested for tampering with ECG meters

Gomoa Tarkwa chief descends on politicians for abandoning his town

North East region: More than just six administrative districts as Mahama…

According to her, she would have acted on it if the school management had brought it to his attention.

“If the matter had come to my attention or if I had been aware of it, I would have taken action because it is always my goal to ensure that students of South Tongu also get integrated into the global community,” the District Director of Education said.

For the past two years, students at the Comboni Vocational and Technical Institute have been without access to essential technology resources.

Despite the centre being equipped with computers, it has remained closed to the disadvantaged of the students.

During a visit to the school, Adom News spoke with several students off-camera who expressed their frustration.

Checks by Adom News revealed that, some of the equipment, including air conditioning units in the lab, had been stolen.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, has urged the Minister of Education, the District Director of Education, and the District Chief Executive to take immediate steps to reopen the abandoned computer laboratory, which has been idle for two years.

“When I informed the district Director of Education, she wasn’t even aware. I am appealing to the relevant authorities to reopen this lab for the students,” he said.

READ ALSO:

• Renowned Economist passes on
• First son of Kwame Nkrumah passes on
• Ghanaian man tragically shot dead in US buried

They say their intended protest will take place if authorities fail to construct better roads for them within this year.

“It’s affecting the community life here – day life and night life. We depend on the road. Cars have been knocking down animals and even humans,” some residents said.

During a JoyNews’ visit to the community, several residents expressed concerns over how the poor state of roads in the District has left people with broken legs, rashes and high cost of vehicle maintenance by motorists.

Motorists who use the road lament poor visibility, which makes their transport business unsafe.

“Someone’s legs are broken because a driver was trying to swerve a pothole.

“The Assembly Member promised the entire community that the road will be fixed within six months but it is one and a half year now [since he made that promise]. It is so bad that we cannot tolerate the dust anymore.

“When you enter people’s rooms, it’s too bad. In each day, you have to wash your clothes to ensure they are clean due to the dust. You don’t wear any neat thing again,” they said.

A contract was awarded to Kin K Company Limited in January 12, 2020, for construction works on the four-kilometre road network linking the Tefle community to the District capital, over a period of six months.

But after more than two years, what was supposed to be a six-month project is yet to be completed.

“They told us that they were going to do everything for us within six months but now the six months have turned into 25 months. So, we are appealing to Kin K Limited to come and fix our roads for us. People want to demonstrate and beat some of us – the community leaders.

“They want to beat me up,” Assemblyman for the area, Benjamin Amekudzi, told JoyNews.