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Daniel Nyadedzor

"I was born in May 1972 in the town of Nsawam, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. I had my early school education at the experimental primary school at Nsawam. I then continued to St. Martin's Secondary school where I obtained my ordinary level certificate. In 1994, I completed the two-year sixth form course at Pope John Paul Secondary School for the advanced level certificate. After a year's national service, I decided to help my brother who was a carver and had his own shop known as Sefam Africa, located at Nsawam. I did all his paperwork.

"Initially, the work done did not measure up to internationally accepted standards. Quality control was poor. However, after working with him for a few months I realized the need to incorporate certain measures. After tasking ourselves to reach the international standards the business grew tremendously. We have been working together for five years.

"We acquire a type of hardwood known as "sese" in the Eastern Region for carving the masks. Other materials we use are potassium, emulsion red or black paint, metal plate and sometimes clay. Glue is used extensively. There are about 20 people working in the shop. The nature of the work involves the chipping of wood to get a desired figure or shape. It is polished and sand papered for a smooth and quality object. Red and black emulsion paint is then used for the finishing. The image is first sketched on paper and then given to the apprentices to carve. The design department always does the finishing. Sometimes, customers also come up with interesting ideas.

"We exhibit our products when there is a fair at the International Trade Fair site in Accra, Ghana. Our products are always given the antique finishing. Our customers love this finishing and their kind remarks and comments spur us on to do better…"