The government plans to integrate Kente weaving into Ghana’s educational system to create employment for aspiring artisans, preserve cultural heritage, and boost tourism, according to Tourism Minister Andrews Egyapa Mercer. Speaking at the 2024 Bonwire Kente Festival in the Ashanti Region, where he represented President Akufo-Addo, Mr. Mercer emphasized that while Kente is admired globally, its deeper meanings and craftsmanship are often overlooked. Incorporating Kente into the school curriculum, he noted, would raise awareness and appreciation of its history, symbolism, and artistry among the younger generation.
Themed “Sustaining the Kente Heritage Through Education,” the Bonwire Kente Festival attracted dignitaries, including Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah, Ghana Tourism Authority CEO Akwasi Agyemang, and former ECG Managing Director Dr. Agyemang Budu. Mr. Mercer highlighted that by educating students about Kente, they would develop a sense of pride in their heritage, which could lead to positive cultural and economic outcomes. He also urged local artisans to share their weaving skills with the youth through workshops.
In support of preserving Kente, Mr. Mercer revealed that the government had submitted a dossier to UNESCO to secure Kente’s recognition as an intangible cultural heritage by December. He also noted that digitization could help promote Kente on a larger scale, referencing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent announcement of a digital platform for the music industry, with plans to extend digitization efforts to cultural heritage if voted into power.
Addressing a call by Nana Bobie Ansah II, the Chief of Bonwire, for a College of Textile and Cloth Weaving to be established in the town, Mr. Mercer assured that Dr. Bawumia would likely support the initiative if elected. Nana Bobie Ansah II also praised President Akufo-Addo’s government for infrastructure developments in the area, including a new court complex, the creation of a Kente Museum, and improvements to local roads and Bonwire Senior High School, which have enhanced the community’s economy and tourism.
Historically, Kente weaving began in the 17th century in Bonwire, where two brothers, Kuragu and Ameyaw, were inspired by a spider’s web to create the first Kente designs.