Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Ghana, virtually everything came to a standstill for weeks during the lockdown.
The effects of the lock-down to some industries are still felt today. One of such industries is the arts and craft sector, which was already characterized by low patronage before COVID-19.
To make buying and selling of arts during the pandemic easy and safe amid the pandemic, an online portal has been created by an enthusiast of arts and crafts, Freda Tanyo, who says she was inspired by a documentary on GTV to create the website.
“The idea of having a website for indigenous artifacts came when I was watching a documentary on GTV when the President of Aburi Craft village Nana Krobea Asante was interviewed. And he called on government to create a website to enable vendors [in the Aburi Craft Village] sell and voila! that is where i come in.”
Madam Tanyo said ” we do not need to wait for government to create a website, I will create the website”
Ghana is home to many beautifully designed arts which portray her rich culture and tradition. Yet patronage of these artifacts has be left to foreigners while the indigenous people look on.
This brings up the question, do Ghanaians value their arts and craft industry?
The situation is worsened by the outbreak of covid-19 which has slowed down the already dormant industry.
An innovative solution to this problem is on the horizon with the launch of a website which will facilitate buying and selling of arts while promoting the indigenous artifacts not only to the world, but to Ghanaians.
Henceforth, arts enthusiasts can log onto www.artsafric.com (click the link https://artsafric.com/ ) to browse through a gallery of beautifully made arts.
This has come at a crucial time where COVID-19 has limited contacts between people.
The website which is still in its infant days, is already making waves with an endorsement from the National Center for Culture.
