Kente weavers in the Ashanti Region have appealed to the government to designate a national day for the wearing of Kente, following the decision to declare Wednesdays as Fugu Wearing Day.
The artisans say they fully support the government’s initiative to promote Fugu as a means of advancing Ghana’s cultural heritage and strengthening the local textile industry. However, they believe the same level of recognition should be accorded to Kente, which they describe as equally significant to the nation’s cultural identity and economic development.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the weavers called for pragmatic policies to sustain and expand the Kente industry. According to them, the sector employs hundreds of people across major weaving communities such as Bonwire, Adanwomase, and Ntonso, and has the potential to create even more jobs if given structured national support.
“Inasmuch as we support the Fugu initiative, we respectfully urge the government to also consider declaring a day to promote Kente,” one of the weavers stated. “The Kente industry is equally large and provides employment for many people, especially the youth. Supporting it will further strengthen the local economy.”
The weavers emphasised that Kente remains one of Ghana’s most recognised cultural symbols, celebrated both locally and internationally. They argued that establishing a dedicated Kente Wearing Day would boost patronage, encourage the use of locally woven fabrics, and protect the industry from the growing influx of imitations on the market.
They expressed optimism that the government would give favourable consideration to their appeal, noting that balanced promotion of indigenous textiles would enhance cultural pride and contribute meaningfully to national development.
