Anastasia Afiyo's Mission of Empowering Communities Through Art

At Ayebea’s Sankofa Marketplace, we are inspired by artisans who go beyond their craft to uplift communities and make a lasting impact. One of our partners, Anastasia Afiyo, embodies this spirit perfectly. With locally sourced materials, Afiyo creates beadwork and fabric accessories that reflect Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. But her work isn’t confined to artistry alone—she is also deeply committed to humanitarian efforts, impacting lives across Gushiegu and Karaga in Northern Ghana. She hopes her work brings these communities economic prospects and a sense of pride in cultural artistry.

As a reputable development organization staff, Afiyo has trained more than 70 children from different communities in bead-making and fabric crafts. This training provided essential life skills, aiming to empower the children with economic prospects and a sense of pride in their cultural artistry. The children learned to create beautiful and functional items—bracelets, necklaces, earrings, keychains, brooches, and hairpins—all from materials found close to home.

Through her work, Afiyo not only showcases Ghanaian craftsmanship to the world but also plays a crucial role in supporting communities in fragile contexts. This aligns closely with our mission to elevate artisans while fostering sustainable, community-driven development. Afiyo’s dedication shows that art can be a powerful tool for empowerment, and her story reflects our commitment to blending creativity with compassion in every piece we bring to our customers.