A maiden event to celebrate the identity, creativity and the enduring heritage of Asanteman through Kente has been launched in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
Dubbed “Royal Kente Gala 2025”, the ceremony, being organised by the Royal Kente Weavers and Sellers Association (ROKWESA), is being held with the blessing of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
It is intended to serve as a movement to safeguard the sacred traditions of kente while elevating it to the global stage.
It has the objective to celebrate the artistry of kente through fashion, exhibitions and storytelling to empower local weavers and artisans by creating sustainable opportunities and showcase Ghana and Africa’s cultural leadership on the global state.
Also, the event will be used to raise funds for the construction of modern weaving centres in Adanwomase, Bonwire and other weaving communities across the country.
The event is on the theme: “Preserving royal heritage, weaving global connections”.
Activities
Activities lined up for the gala include online marketing for kente weavers, inter-senior high school debate on the topic “Kente imitation: Challenges and effects on the industry” as well as a Kente Investment Forum.
The rest are a Royal Kente Runway fashion showcase, exhibition and live weaving demonstration and Royal Kente auction to climax the gala on December 20, 2025.
Speaking at the launch of the event at the Prempeh Assembly Hall last Friday, the President of ROKWESA, Kwame Nyame, said the mission was to preserve the kente tradition while creating a global platform to elevate Ghana’s heritage and supports artisans.
He said “it is not just an event, it is our story, pride and legacy. We are weaving not only cloth but global connections; not only our patterns, but the very future of our heritage.”
“Through this gala, let us raise the banner of kente high for it is the fabric of our history, the fabric of Africa and the fabric of unity,” he said.
Developed countries
The Deputy Manager of Kumasi-based Akoma FM, a partner of the event, William Evans Nkum, said most developed countries were thriving in the area of tourism by primarily focusing on culture and heritage.
He stated “we believe that the local economy can also thrive when people travel just to come and have a first-hand acquisition of how to weave a cloth of kente.” He urged the government to provide facilities and incentives to enhance the industry.
He called for the introduction of modern technology to empower the weavers in such a way that it would not adversely affect the traditional mode of production but would ensure less manual application for increased output.
Writer’s email: gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh
