Local Ownership
Local ownership is a key to sustainable, long term community development. One of the owners of Black Star, Ernest Ahiable, is a Busua native and in charge of the day-to-day operations at the Black Star Surf Shop and the Okoryε Tree Restaurant. We are proud to know that this means some of the profits from the surf shop and restaurant go directly back into the community.
Supporting Local Artisans
As part of the Black Star philosophy, we also want to support local artisans. Currently we feature the work of several local artisans in our shop. Kobe, a painter who is quickly becoming internationally recognized, provides us with postcards of his works. Daniel crafts purses out of coconut shells, Joseph crafts necklaces and collects and sells exotic shells, Ghali and Ruth keep busy making their Tie Dye and Batiks. We are always looking to represent local artistic talent and will continue to encourage locals to showcase their works at out surf shop.
Community Projects
Black Star is also engaged in several community projects that we are hoping will have a positive impact on the environment, generate local income, as well as improve the quality of life of those living in the Busua area. These projects all have originated with community input and many focus on empowering local leaders by providing them with the resources and tools needed to help make the projects sustainable. Click on the community project page to see some of the ways in which we are working together with the community to help make Busua and the surrounding areas a model for community development in Ghana.