Sirigu Women Organization of Pottery and Art (SWOPA)

Sirigu Sirigu lies in the Eastern part of the Kasena-Nankana district of the Upper East Region in Ghana. The village is well known for its traditional architecture, pottery and wall designing. The people of this area are mostly farmers but over the past thirty years, due to poor rainfall and degrading farmland, the farming activities are mainly for subsistance. In the area the traditional arts of architecture and wall decoration is at the risk of disappearing. The position of women is very difficult as they have to work hard on the farm and in the family. In the traditional society they have no right of own income or ownership. The women's art of pottery and basket weaving has taken an important place in the provision of the family up keep. Many children also owe their education, healthcare and schoolfees to pottery. SWOPA Since 1997, more than 150 women of Sirigu have formed an organization for pottery and art. Their aim is to preserve and develop their traditional culture and to provide tourist services and produce high quality art that has its roots in the village culture. This way, they earn some money to supplement the farming activities and improve their social position. The women received intensive training to produce high quality pottery and paintings. Tourists guides have been trained to show visitors the cultural and natural beauties of the village. A well designed and decorated visitors'center with an art gallery and guest house has been built. Since 2002 Swopa has received many national awards for their outstanding tourist services and quality art work. A highlight was the visit of the Secretary General of UN, Kofi Annan.