Ghana earned three million dollars from baskets and hats exported by the Bolgatanga Craft Centre last year.

Mr Salifu Mahami, Upper East Regional Minister, announced this at the joint-day of the Upper East and Volta Regions at NAFAC 2002 in Sekondi on Monday.

He said the Upper East Region is among the country's best craft producing areas and has captured large markets in basketry, leather works and blacksmithing.

Mr Mahami said more support is required to improve the region's craft production to earn more foreign exchange for the country and sustain the economy of the region.

He said Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) in collaboration with the Japanese International Development Cooperation (JIDA) is offering exhibitions and training programmes for people in craft industry to impart new techniques and skills to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Mr Mahami said the GEPC has initiated a straw plantation project at Bongo in the Upper East to produce raw materials for the industry.

Mr Mahami said the GEPC is undertaking a similar project at Navrongo also in the same region to help weavers to obtain straw all year round.

He said the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), district assemblies in the region and other stakeholders intend to institute regional awards programmes to sustain interest and attract talents to develop arts and culture.

Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Deputy Volta Regional Minister, said the region has huge deposits of salt along its coastal belt.

He said salt is considered to be white gold for the region and its production could generate considerable capital for further investment in allied industries such as soap making and chlorine.

Mr Dzamesi said some miners have acquired land for salt production through the Minerals Commission under the President's Special Initiative (PSI) for salt.

He said mineral deposits in the region, which include diamond, iron ore and oil are yet to be exploited.

Mr Dzamesi said there are also large clay deposits, which have the potential for the development of an integrated bricks and tile industry.

Cultural groups from the two regions showcased the potentials of their areas at the function.