AAKS

AAKS is a Ghana-based accessories brand founded by designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi. Her designs reimagine traditional Ghanaian basket bags with contemporary colour, softness, and modern detailing. Each piece is handwoven in-house by skilled artisans. The brand ensures at least 90% of each product is biodegradable by avoiding toxic chemicals, using natural materials, and achieving colour through vegetable dyes.

Features

Resources and materials

Works exclusively with natural raffia, which is organic, renewable and fully biodegradable
Raffia is locally sourced in Ghana directly from farms
Uses plant-based dyes and vegetable-tanned leather
Linings are made from 100% cotton
All dyeing, weaving and finishing are done entirely by hand to limit chemical use
Raffia offcuts are repurposed into pom-poms and accessories
Produces one collection per year to avoid overproduction

Making and manufacturing

Designs are created by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and woven by artisans at the AAKS weaving centre
The weaving centre is located within walking distance for artisans
Artisans work in safe, supportive conditions with fair wages and additional compensation based on skill and completed products
Handwoven techniques reduce carbon emissions

Social and cultural

AAKS installed a water source that benefits both the centre and the wider community
80% of the team are women
Preserves Ghana’s weaving heritage by centring traditional techniques

Product and design

Signature designs blend traditional basket bag silhouettes with contemporary colour palettes
Every handbag is fully handwoven using resilient raffia fibres and finished with durable vegetable-tanned leather
Pieces undergo multiple quality checks during production to ensure longevity
90% of each bag can return safely to the earth at end-of-life

Packaging and distribution

Wholesale orders use recycled packaging sourced locally
Products are distributed through wholesale partners, dropshipping, and AAKS’s online store

2025 Nominee: Pan-African Artisanal Award