The Prospects of Jewellery Works: The Case of Wa Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Jewellery fabrication as a profession and a way of living has a socio-cultural and psychological influence in our society. It is characterized by various functional and symbolic art forms that have several ingenious techniques, skills and cultural facets undertone. Although there has been different type of Jewellery products used by the people of Wa municipality, little or no attention has been given to its viability as a means of income for those interested in its products and the sale of it. The study therefore, through the use of descriptive survey research methods ascertained the types of Jewellery works used, the frequency of their purchase and the philosophy of its use. It also unfolded some precious metals that can support the production of Jewellery in the Municipality. The population for the study comprised users of Jewellery works and mineral experts. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used. Primary data for the study were sampled from Jewellery consumers and precious metal dealers from the three zones in the municipality. Secondary data sources were gathered from books, journals, magazines and many others. Data gathered were assembled, analyzed and interpreted. It was found out that ten different types of Jewellery works are used in the municipality. It was discovered that 47.62% of the population of study buy Jewellery works each year. The study also unveiled the use of scrap metal made up of precious metal and pure gold as the fundamental source of material to produce Jewellery work in the Municipality. It was recommended that total attention for the potential of human resource for the Jewellery industry be given extreme support. Furthermore, the study underscored the potential of small-scale business set-up in Jewellery as a means of employment.