The private sector has been challenged to shift the focus from using the kente fabric festival as a social event to addressing the challenges confronting the industry.

"While it is a fact that the kente industry in Kpetoe is our national pride, it has not made the intended impact globally as expected,” Alexander Asum-Ahensah, Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, said at Kpetoe.

He was addressing the 14th edition of the Agomtime Kente Festival, called Agbamevorza, of the chiefs and people of Kpetoe in the Volta Region at the weekend.

The colourful event showcased the rich cultural heritage and aesthetic values of the kente fabric under the theme: “Protection of historical, cultural and socio-economic activities, the significance of the kente cloth”.

Mr Asum-Ahensah said even though the kente industry had brought employment to Kpetoe, leading to youth not migrating to the urban areas in search of jobs, there was the need to add value to the product to make an impact on the international scene.

He assured them that government would continue to support and facilitate the development of the industry to attract both local and international investors so as to gain greater recognition on the international market.

In addition, the government will complement their efforts at tackling some of the basic needs of the area, through self help projects to enhance the living standards of the people.

Mr Asum-Ahensah indicated that the celebration of the festival had brought unity, love and mutual co- operation and ensured peace in the area thereby enhancing their businesses.

He acknowledged the important role traditional leaders play in the governance of the nation, adding that his ministry would promote and facilitate the transformation of the chieftaincy institution in consonance with the constitution.

The Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Henry Ametefe noted that festivals were conduits for rallying people at a particular area for development initiatives which the kente festival was no exception.

He said the government cherishes these laudable attributes of communities which are striving on their own to lot through their own efforts.

According to him, kente had gained recognition but what had gained recognition but what was left is value-addition to get international recognition.
He assured the people that the Volta Region Coordinating Council would continue to work with them towards further development of the community.

Madam Juliana Azumah, Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, who is also the Member of Parliament for the areas indicated that the Ministry of Trade and Industry was working feverish with other donors to establish a Kente village at Kpetoe, which would be the first of its kind in the country.

She said when completed, the village would not only boost the production of kente in the district but would offer more employment for the youth in the area and its environs.

Nene Nuer Keteku III, Paramount chief for Agortime Traditional Area, commended the government and other stakeholders for the rapid pace of development in the district.

He called on the government and the Ministry of Health to expedite action on other impending projects like hospital for the districts to reduce the plight of the people.

Source: Ghanaian Times

Bookmark with: