Bolgatanga, Ghana became Africa’s 2nd Fair Trade Town in 2014 and since then has hosted the Bolgatanga International Crafts and Arts Fair (BICAF). An annual community led event, showcasing the talents of the Upper East Region's craftspeople, the artisans across Ghana and the rest of the world. BICAF 2016 will be held from 1st - 4th December at Jubilee park, Bolgatanga.
BICAF has developed from a small fair with ten exhibitors, to over sixty last year. It generates more employment and wealth across the region, allowing craft people to secure orders, network internationally and increase tourism. Many of these small businesses would not have had the opportunity to sell their products nationally, let alone worldwide. Hence our theme, 'Weaving, a way to a better future'.
BICAF is organized by a Steering Committee consisting of key members of the community, including that of the NGO TradeAID Int, the Regional Coordinating Council, representatives of craft groups and many more. TradeAID Int. founded BICAF, they aim to eradicate poverty through creating sustainable businesses. BICAF has changed the lives of many local artisans in the region. We hope that with every year BICAF can help improve more people's lives and continue to grow.
Our main challenge has been gaining sponsors to finance BICAF. We have sent letters and emails and follow-ups to Ghanaian companies and governmental agencies to no avail. We therefore hope that through crowdfunding we can receive more donations. helping us reach our target, to insure the success of BICAF. This is a difficult task, but we are committed to reaching our target and having the biggest BICAF yet. The maintenance of BICAF is one of five tasks to be completed to keep FairTrade town status.
Any donations are greatly appreciated and sharing this page on social media and on websites. A contribution will make you part of this event #iambicaf