Promoting development through culture key to employment creation - President Akufo-Addo

The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says promoting development through culture and heritage can and will aid in the government’s dream to reduce significantly unemployment in the country.

He has therefore advised the youth in Bonwire in the Ashanti region to take great interest in the Kente weaving industry which according to him, will make them economically independent and self-sustained instead of travelling to the big cities to look for non-existent jobs. 

He also entreated chiefs and the people of the area to show exemplary Ghanaian hospitality to investors and tourists to make the region and country the most prefer and attractive investment destination in the West African Sub-region. 

President Akufo-Addo said this in an address read for him by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah at grand durbar of chiefs and people of Bonwire in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipal of Ashanti to climax Bonwire Kente Festival. 

 
Bonwire in the Ashanti  region is historically considered as the original source of the world renowned Kente cloth hence the celebration of Bonwire Kente Festival to showcase the rich traditions, culture and history associated with the Kente cloth, which for centuries has been the symbol of Asante royal and dignity. Globally, Kente is regarded as one of the best brand woven textiles, 

It symbolizes the identity of the Ghanaians and evokes powerful emotions among the citizenry. 

The minister noted the commodity has vast tourism potential which if well harnessed will attract more tourists to the region and Ghana as a whole. 

This will enhance the contribution of the tourism sector to the overall growth of the Ghanaian economy.

He disclosed plan for the establishment of an international standard Integrated Kente Center consisting of a museum, weaving center, amusement center and market where prospective buyers could buy and also have fun while enjoying the Ashanti and Ghanaian hospitality. 

He commended the chiefs for preserving the old tradition and called for urgent need to rebrand the kente cloth as an international commodity within the global textile industry.

The Minister of Tourism, Innovation, Culture, and Creative Art, Madam Catherine Afeku, urged the planning committee to always consider a date that coincide with many local festivals in order to attract more local and foreign tourists. 

The chief of Bonwire, Nana Bobie Ansah urged government to ban the importation of inferior Kente from China which is gradually taken their market. 

The occasion was under the theme: Promoting Development through Our Culture and Heritage.

Story by GBC's Razak Baba 


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