Bonwire, the heart of Kente weaving in Ghana, could see significant economic and social benefits if the government heeds the call of Mr. Sarfo Kantanka, a former lecturer at Ashesi University.
Kantanka is urging for the immediate establishment of a state-of-the-art Kente weaving factory in Bonwire, a town renowned for its vibrant and culturally significant Kente cloth.
Bonwire, located in the Ejisu-Juabin Municipal District of the Ashanti region, is a hub of traditional weaving, where skilled artisans employ time-honored techniques to create the intricate Kente fabric.
This fabric is more than just clothing; it’s a national symbol, a representation of Ghanaian identity, cultural pride, and a potential driver of economic growth.
Kantanka believes a Kente factory will amplify these benefits, allowing Ghana to tap into a larger global market. He expressed disappointment that a prior promise by the previous administration under Nana Akuffo Addo to build a modern weaving factory remained unfulfilled.
He now places his trust in president John Dramani Mahama’s administration to take decisive action.
During a fact-finding mission by yen.com.gh to Bonwire, Isaac Owusu, the officer in charge of the weaving center, emphasized the lucrative nature of the Kente business.
He highlighted how it has provided livelihoods for many in the community since its inception in Bonwire. However, he also pointed out significant challenges, particularly the difficulty in sourcing raw materials.
“We import all the raw materials from China,” Owusu explained, “and this drives up the cost of finished Kente, making it expensive.”
Despite this, the exquisite nature of Bonwire Kente attracts a steady stream of tourists and students eager to witness the artistry firsthand.
A Kente weaver Kingsley Awufour from Juabin echoed Owusu’s sentiment, stating that a government-supported factory would generate significant foreign income for the country and provide employment opportunities for the youth.
Similarly, weavers in Adanwomase pleaded with the government to consider their request, highlighting the potential for the factory to improve lives not only in the Ashanti region but across the entire nation.
The consensus among Kente weavers and dealers is clear: Government intervention in the form of a factory at Bonwire is vital. It would address the challenges of raw material sourcing, allowing for more affordable production and increased competitiveness in the global market.
Ultimately, the establishment of a Kente weaving factory in Bonwire represents a significant opportunity to boost Ghana’s economy, preserve its cultural heritage, and create much-needed jobs for its citizens.
The current administration is now faced with the chance to turn this vision into a tangible reality.
