Bamenda Gets Handicrafts Village

Craftsmen and women in the North West region now have a centre whereby their products and talents can be exhibited all year round. The craftsmen and women came from all over the region and their works were varied and speckled such as, bamboo chairs and tables, necklace and ear rings, dresses, musical instruments, amongst others.

The inaugural ceremony could have been mistaken for an exhibition ceremony. Although the crafts persons had a lot to show, their sector is equally plagued with a lot of challenges, such as high taxes, lack of government subvention amongst others. The sector is the second economic activity in the region after agriculture as most of the people in the region earn their living from their works. It is also on record that the region has some of the finest craftsmen in the country most of whom are handicapped.

In his inaugural speech, the Minister of Small and Medium-Size Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Prof. Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa said his ministry is already looking into some of the problems plaguing the sector. He advised the craft persons to organise themselves into groups so that they can benefit from government subventions. Minister Laurent serge Etoundi Ngoa explained that the craft village will enable the craftsmen and women in the region to exhibit and learn ways of modernising their activities. Given that crafts is part of the North West tradition, he urged them to do their best so as to sell their culture through their handwork. He cautioned them to use good quality materials for the production of their works. He said through their activities they can earn a living and live better lives without depending on others.

The over FCFA 300 million building has many showrooms and other facilities to make both the crafts persons and visitors comfortable.