TradeAID Integrated was founded in 2000 by Nicholas Apokerah following the findings of his undergraduate project work on the topic “The role of Ghana’s National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) on the output levels of straw basket weavers in Bolgatanga District."

 

The research revealed the following three findings

1. That straw basket weaving (Bolga Baskets) was a major source of livelihood for the people of Bolgatanga District.
2. That NBSSI and its affiliate bodies were not giving much support to the sector and contributed little to output.
3. Baskets weavers were earning less than 20% of the final retail price of straw baskets.

These findings inspired Nicholas to work with his colleagues, who at the time were undergraduates from the University of Cape Coast, to form TradeAID Integrated. The aim was to introduce fair trade to the basket weavers of Bolgatanga and to explore ways of building the capacities of these weavers to enable them make a living from their work.

 

TradeAID has since gone ahead to expand its work to seven districts in the Upper East region of Ghana, partnering with other NGO's to help farmers, fabric weavers, smock makers, leather workers and women with disabilities.