The Konor of Agortime-Ziope, Nene Nuer Keteku IV sitting in state
The chiefs and people of Agortime in the Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region have marked the 31st Agortime Kente Festival with renewed calls for the preservation of traditional Kente weaving and increased investment in the craft to create sustainable jobs for the youth.
The celebration brought together communities from Ghana and neighbouring Togo and highlighted the shared cultural and historical ties of the Agortime people on both sides of the international border.
Representing the government, the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia, said Kente had assumed an important place in Ghana’s national life and had become one of the most recognised symbols of Ghanaian culture internationally.
He noted that the fabric embodied the history, identity and values of the Ghanaian people and featured prominently at significant ceremonies and milestones.
Mr. Segbefia, however, cautioned that the skills and knowledge required to preserve authentic Kente weaving could not be taken for granted, citing rising production costs and competition from cheaper imitations as major challenges confronting local weavers.
He, therefore, called for the creation of sustainable livelihoods and opportunities within the industry to motivate young people to take up weaving and ensure the survival of the traditional craft.
He welcomed the development of the Kente Village and Centre of Excellence, describing it as a project with the potential to link cultural preservation with economic development.
According to the Chief of Staff, the facility could provide training for artisans, support Kente-related enterprises, promote research and innovation, preserve traditional designs as well as position Agortime as a major cultural tourism destination.
Mr. Segbefia commended the Bank of Ghana for its support towards the project and appealed to other institutions and development partners to contribute to its completion.
He also said government’s investment in road infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of the Ho-Kpetoe and Kpetoe-Afiadenyigba roads, would improve access to Agortime, facilitate the transportation of raw materials and finished products and boost tourism.
He stressed that stronger collaboration between culture, tourism, infrastructure and enterprise development was essential to unlocking the potential of Ghana’s creative economy.
The Chief of Staff further said government was strengthening institutions under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, including the Creative Arts Agency, to expand market access, improve skills development, promote innovation and protect intellectual property, particularly traditional Kente designs.
The Member of Parliament for Agortime-Ziope, Charles Agbeve, said the festival provided an opportunity to draw attention to challenges facing the Kente industry, particularly the ageing population of master weavers.
He announced plans to collaborate with the District Assembly to introduce a Youth in Kente Weaving Initiative, under which young people, particularly women, would be attached to experienced master weavers for practical training and skills transfer.
Mr. Agbeve said the initiative would help preserve the traditional weaving heritage while creating employment opportunities for the youth.
He commended local master weavers for their craftsmanship and urged stakeholders to provide them with increased support, to enable them to sustain and expand their businesses.
The District Chief Executive for Agortime-Ziope, Alfred Klu Odikro, described the festival as a celebration of the identity, history, creativity, unity and resilience of the people.
He said Kente went beyond its aesthetic appeal, explaining that its colours, patterns and designs conveyed important values such as wisdom, courage, unity, prosperity, peace and dignity.
The Konor and President of the Agortime Traditional Council, Nene Nuer Keteku IV, said the festival theme provided a clear framework for the community to celebrate its heritage while taking deliberate steps to preserve it for future generations.
He said Kente should not be regarded merely as a textile or commercial product but as a representation of the living heritage and collective wisdom of the Agortime people.
Nene Keteku IV stressed the need for sustained efforts to transfer traditional weaving knowledge to the younger generation through homes, schools and practical workshops.
He appealed to development partners to join the Bank of Ghana in supporting the completion of the project, noting that the facility could transform Agortime into a regional centre for cultural research, artisan training, tourism and sustainable economic development.
The 31st Agortime Kente Festival featured cultural performances, Kente exhibitions and other activities showcasing the rich weaving traditions, history and cultural heritage of the Agortime people.
FROM Daniel K. Orlando, Kpetoe