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Discovering Ghana's Traditional Art and Craft

28 May 2025

Ghana is a land of vibrant culture, colorful festivals, and deep-rooted traditions. From the rhythmic beats of the djembe drums to the intricate patterns of Kente cloth, the country's art and craft are not just decorative pieces—they tell the story of a proud heritage passed down through generations.

Traditional art in Ghana holds immense cultural value. It's a way for communities to express their beliefs, history, and identity. But as the world modernizes, these crafts face the risk of being forgotten. Fortunately, remittances from the Ghanaian diaspora—especially those living in Switzerland—are playing a vital role in keeping these traditions alive.

Whether you're an expat, student, or worker looking to send money to Ghana from Switzerland, your support is making a real difference in preserving the essence of Ghanaian culture.

A Glimpse Into Ghana's Traditional Art and Craft

Ghana's traditional arts are as diverse as its people. Each region has its own specialties that have been preserved over centuries:

Kente Weaving: Originating from the Ashanti region, Kente is a handwoven cloth with symbolic colors and patterns representing proverbs, history, and values. Kente is often worn during significant ceremonies like weddings, festivals, and state functions, highlighting its deep cultural importance.
Adinkra Symbols and Cloth: These are printed on fabric using stamps carved from calabash and dyed with natural pigments. Each symbol carries its own meaning, often related to values like unity, wisdom, and strength. The cloth is usually worn during funerals and other cultural events.
Wood Carving and Sculpture: A skill passed down through generations, wood carving is used to create ceremonial stools, masks, fertility dolls, and ancestral figures. These items are not only functional or decorative but are believed to carry spiritual significance.
Pottery and Beadwork: Pottery is mostly practiced by women in rural communities and used for cooking, storage, and rituals. Beadwork, often worn as jewelry, symbolizes status, age, and marital status, and is common among both men and women.
Basket Weaving: Practiced especially in the northern parts of Ghana, baskets made from elephant grass are both utilitarian and artistic. They are often sold in local markets and exported abroad, contributing to the rural economy.

These crafts not only preserve history but also serve as a source of income for many families. They are deeply intertwined with community values and often mark significant life events such as birth, marriage, and death.

Challenges Facing Traditional Artisans in Ghana

Despite their cultural importance, Ghana's artisans face multiple hurdles that threaten the survival of their crafts:

Declining Interest Among Youth: Many young people now see traditional arts as outdated and prefer to pursue careers in technology, business, or entertainment. This generational shift threatens the transfer of skills from elders to the next generation.
Lack of Financial Support: Artisans often struggle to buy materials like dyes, yarn, or carving tools. Limited access to credit and government funding means they rely heavily on external support.
Limited Access to Markets: Most artisans sell their products locally, which restricts income potential. They lack the digital skills or resources to access international markets where demand for authentic African crafts is growing.
Urbanization and Modernization: As Ghana's cities grow, traditional craft hubs are being replaced by urban infrastructure. Modern living also reduces the use of handmade items, which are often viewed as less practical or outdated.

These challenges make it crucial for external support to step in—and this is where remittances play a transformative role.

The Role of Ghanaian Diaspora in Switzerland

Switzerland is home to a growing Ghanaian community comprising professionals, students, and families. Many still maintain strong ties to their roots and regularly send money to Ghana from Switzerland to support loved ones. According to the World Bank, remittances from abroad play a significant role in Ghana's economy, contributing to household income, education, healthcare, and now—cultural preservation.

Remittances are more than just financial transfers—they are expressions of love, responsibility, and cultural pride. For artisans back home, this money often becomes the lifeline that allows them to keep practicing and teaching their craft.

Beyond personal support, many Ghanaian associations and church groups in Switzerland also raise funds collectively to support projects back home. These initiatives often focus on education, healthcare, and increasingly, cultural revitalization.

How Swiss Remittances Are Reviving Traditional Arts

Remittances sent from Switzerland are directly contributing to the revival and sustainability of traditional Ghanaian crafts in several ways:

Direct Financial Support: Family members send money for materials, tools, and shop rent, keeping artisan businesses afloat. With consistent financial backing, artisans can focus on refining their skills instead of worrying about basic needs.
Cultural Projects and Workshops: Communities are using funds to build craft centers and run educational workshops. These centers serve as creative hubs where artists collaborate, teach, and innovate.
Youth Training Programs: Remittances help sponsor young people to learn traditional crafts, ensuring knowledge is passed on. Scholarships and apprenticeship programs are now being established with diaspora support.
Global Market Access: With financial backing, artisans can now invest in digital platforms and export logistics. Some are setting up e-commerce websites or joining platforms like Etsy and Instagram to reach international buyers.

This impact goes beyond individual artisans. It strengthens community identity, fosters tourism, and creates employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas.

If you're looking to send money online to Ghana from Switzerland, know that your contribution can help support a legacy of creativity and cultural identity.

Stories that Matters!

Take the story of Kwame, a woodcarver in Kumasi. With funding from his brother in Zurich, he was able to buy better tools and expand his small workshop. Today, he trains local youth and exports handcrafted pieces to Europe. His work was recently featured in a cultural exhibition in Geneva.

Or consider the Nima Craft Collective, which recently received remittance funding from Ghanaian expats in Geneva. The funds allowed them to organize a regional arts festival that attracted local and international visitors. The festival not only showcased talent but also boosted local tourism and sales.

Another example is Abena, a Kente weaver in the Volta Region. Her daughter, studying in Lausanne, regularly sends money to support her business. With the extra funds, Abena joined an online marketplace and now receives orders online, proving how making an online money transfer from Switzerland to Ghana can transform lives.

ACE Money Transfer: Enabling Cultural Sustainability

ACE Money Transfer understands the importance of keeping you connected to your roots. As a trusted remittance service, ACE offers:

Fast and Secure Transfers: Send money with peace of mind, knowing your funds will arrive quickly and safely.
Affordable Rates: ACE offers affordable exchange rates and low transfer fees, allowing more of your money to go directly to your family or projects.
User-Friendly Platform: With just a few clicks, you can send money online to Ghana from Switzerland using your mobile or desktop.
Multiple Payment Options: ACE offers flexible payment methods, including bank deposits, cash pickups, and mobile wallet transfers.
Dedicated Support: Their customer service team is available to assist you with any questions, making the process smooth.

By choosing ACE Money Transfer, you not only support your family but also contribute to the preservation of Ghana's artistic heritage.

Keeping Ghana’s Artistic Soul Alive—One Remittance at a Time

Ghana’s traditional arts and crafts are treasures that reflect the soul of a nation. With increasing modernization, the risk of losing this cultural wealth is real. However, the Ghanaian diaspora in Switzerland is stepping up, and remittances are becoming a key driver of cultural sustainability.

Every time you make a money transfer from Switzerland to Ghana, you're not just sending funds—you're investing in history, creativity, and identity. You're ensuring that the beauty of Ghana's art lives on for future generations. Choose ACE Money Transfer as your trusted partner and become a guardian of Ghana’s rich cultural legacy. It’s rated 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilotwith over 135,000 reviews — a testament to their commitment to excellent service.