Robert Ayine Anaba

"I was born in the Upper Eastern Region of Ghana in 1954. I weave Bolga baskets. I became interested in basketry from my late father, who was a great basket weaver and taught me. I liked the way he wove them with joy and sent them to his customers on time or even before a deadline. <br><br> "I use straw to create my weavings and it cannot be recycled, reclaimed or reused. My favorite designs are laundry baskets. <br><br> "I get my inspiration from God and my hardworking father. This craft has been a gift from God to my family. I've been able to teach the craft to two others. <br><br> "It was extremely difficult to start on my own because I was used to working in a group. I didn't have enough money to start off on my own and it was not easy. I work with my family and I organize the tasks. My wife twists the straw and my son colors it while I do the weaving. <br><br> "A difficult time was when I had to pay fees, provide for my family and purchase materials at the same time. It wasn't easy, but I thank God Almighty for helping me overcome my financial problems. <br><br> "Once, while walking with my weaving straw, someone walked up to me and asked how much I wanted for a broom because he wanted two of them. I smiled and told him I didn't have brooms but weaving straw. I still smile whenever I remember this. <br><br> "My dreams for the future are to build my own house and one day run my own company."