Buy Bolga, the idea

There is no doubt that the Upper East Region is the epicentre of craft in Ghana. We make baskets, smocks, headgears, shea, leather goods, art, footwear, musical instruments, cosmetics, and more than I can count. These works are wanted in Accra, in Europe, and anywhere people value handmade things. The problem is access.

Most buyers must travel to the Bolga market, which happens once every three days. If you live outside the region, you usually depend on a middleman. The buyer pays more than the real value, the maker takes home too little, and the story ends there. No receipts, no data, no repeat orders. When the sun goes down, sales stop.

THE FIX

Buy Bolga is a simple fix. An online marketplace where our makers can sell to Ghana and the world, without handing power to the middleman.

Why these matters

• It opens our market every day, not only on market day.

• It gives buyers a direct line to the maker, no cousin on a bus, no extra hands taking a cut.

• Prices are clear, payments are secure, and money reaches the artisan fast by MoMo or card.

• Photos, descriptions, and sizes are standard, so buyers know exactly what they are getting.

• Verified sellers, simple returns, and delivery tracking build trust.

• Tourists who love a basket can reorder from home, and the diaspora can buy gifts without calling five people.

• Data replaces guesswork, makers see which products move, which sizes sell, which colours win.

• Bulk orders become possible for hotels, shops, and exporters, with proper invoices.

• As skills grow, we will train vendors in product listing, packaging, and customer care. Real work grows around real sales.

HOW IT WORKS FOR MAKERS

With Buy Bolga, the basket weaver lists her work, waits for an order, ships it, gets paid in real time, then makes the next one. No begging, no delays, no mystery fees. Money returns to the maker, pride returns to the craft, and jobs follow the orders.

MUSIC TOO

Our musicians are right. WhatsApp made sharing easy; CDs and pen drives stopped selling. People love the songs, but the money does not reach the artist. Distribution is broken.

THE FIX

Albums and singles on Buy Bolga are listed as products, not streams. A fan buys, pays by MoMo or card, gets a secure download link, and you get paid. Links can expire, downloads can be limited, buyers have receipts. Casual sharing drops, real sales rise.

MORE WAYS TO EARN

• Sell albums, singles, EPs, instrumentals, and ringtone packs.

• Offer deluxe editions with bonus tracks and lyrics.

• Bundle music with merch, T-shirts, smocks, caps.

• Take pre-orders before release day.

• Sell tickets for shows and listening parties.

• Add a book me option for events.

WHY THIS WILL GROW OUR MUSIC INDUSTRY

• Money goes straight to artists, producers, studios, and designers.

• Fans everywhere can buy, including the diaspora.

• You see sales data, plan releases, and reward loyal fans.

• Receipts and invoices help with grants and sponsorships.

• Weekly payouts create cash flow, and work continues.

• We keep it simple.

• List the music, set the price, upload the files, sell, get paid, make the next hit.

• This is how we turn plays into pay, and talent into jobs.

THE VISION

Turning talent into steady income. Made in Bolga, sold worldwide.