Bolga Bags

Bolga Bags

Our main project is to improve the living standards of knitters in the Bolgatanga region
(Northern Ghana). Through the profits from the sale of their handmade bags and baskets, we
aim to support specific knitting families as well as the wider community. Most of the profits
from sales therefore stay in Ghana. So, just by buying a Bolga Bag you are helping.

Bolga bag – a hand-knitted piece of Africa

The Bolga Bag is made from natural materials, mainly strong and durable straw, which comes
from a local grass called "elephant grass". Each piece is an original, hand-knitted by local
knitters who have passed their skills down through the generations. This is what makes each
Bolga Bag a small work of art with a unique design and story.

Style and functionality

The Bolga bag stands out for its sturdiness and lightness at the same time, making it a great
choice for everyday use. Whether you need a stylish accessory for shopping, picnics or the
beach, this bag will meet your expectations. The hand-knit structure makes it very durable and
strong, so you can carry even heavier items. The practical leather handles ensure comfortable
carrying, while giving the bag a sophisticated look.

Traditional craftsmanship with added value

Bolga bags are not just a fashion accessory. Every purchased bag directly benefits the
Bolgatanga knitting community. These people, especially the women who make the bags, are
paid a premium for their work, enabling them to provide better living conditions for their
families. By purchasing a Bolga Bag, you will not only be supporting fair trade
craftsmanship; but also helping to fund their children´s education and healthcare for the local
community.

Unique design and variability

Each Bolga Bag is unique – it can have different designs and colour combinations that reflect
the creativity and traditional aesthetics of African craftsmanship. The bags are available in a
variety of sizes, from smaller versions suitable for casual wear to larger baskets to use for
shopping or travel. The simple yet timeless design allows you to mix and match the bag with
different outfits, whether you´re heading out to the town or on holiday.

Sustainability and natural materials

Bolga Bags are not only beautiful and practical, but also eco-friendly. By using natural
materials and handmade, the negative impact on the environment is minimised. The bags are
long-lasting, contributing to the idea of sustainable fashion that doesn´t waste resources or
energy.

A great gift with a story

If you are looking for an original and meaningful gift, the Bolga bag is a great choice. It is not
only a beautiful fashion accessory, but also a symbol of help and support for the people of
Bolgatanga. The recipient will not only receive a functional and aesthetic item, but also a

story of how their purchase has contributed to improving the standard of living in remote
areas of Africa.

...
...

What happens to the money behind Bolga bags

We are very keen to make sure that the money from European donors gets where it needs to
go, that it is used efficiently and that the incidental costs of transport, postage and
miscellaneous fees are kept to a minimum. So what happens to the money you pay for the
bag?
1) We pay the bags at their normal price. (Note: It is not granted that weavers will always find
a market. The fact that we are their regular customers and therefore have a regular flow of
funds is very important to them).
2) Part of the profits from the sale of the bags go to projects that benefit the local community.
We have discussions with the locals about each project to make sure that we invest in
something that makes sense for everyone. In 2025, we sent funds to build sanitation facilities
(toilets) that serve the wider community. In addition, last year, we used this fund to pay for
eye disease screening for our weavers and their families. Subsequently, we paid for 19 sight-
saving eye surgeries and eye diseases). In September and December 2024, we sent money for
school supplies. (See https://www.empowerbolga.com/clanky/aktualne/ for more information
on past projects). Our long-term vision includes more comprehensive support for the
education and health sectors.
3) Transportation, customs fees, VAT, administrative fees to the post office, and expenses to
run our foundation in the Czech Republic. Currently, these costs are between 25-35%.
Transportation costs are unfortunately relatively high. After all, the bags are bulky and
transporting them is not exactly easy. Since 2024, we have been using container shipping,
which has allowed us to reduce the transport costs per individual basket again.