Aflao: Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has proposed the introduction of a policy mandating all workers, including staff of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), Municipal and District Assemblies, and their Chief Executives, to wear Kente cloth on Fridays and during official festivals.
According to Ghana News Agency, speaking at the launch of the 2025 Agortime-Kpetoe Kente Festival, Mr. Gunu emphasized that such a policy would highlight the cultural and economic value of Kente and promote its usage both nationally and internationally. He stressed that leadership must be at the forefront of this initiative to encourage others to value and patronize the fabric.
Mr. Gunu revisited a request made by the people of Kpetoe for a dedicated Kente Village, which would serve as a hub for training, production, and trade of Kente. Now back in government, he pledged to work towards realizing this project.
He elaborated that the District Assemblies Common Fund includes a provision for 24-Hour Economy Projects, which can be channeled into establishing the Kente Village, thereby supporting weavers and boosting economic activity in the region.
Dr. Dela Mawutor, a member of the Festival’s Central Planning Committee, supported the Minister’s call and encouraged people to embrace wearing Kente on Fridays, even in smaller patterns or mixed designs. She urged swift action on the Kente Village project and called on stakeholders to provide weavers with access to raw materials.
Mr. Israel Kporku, Chair of the Agortime Kpetoe Kente Weavers Association, commended the Minister’s initiative and expressed hope that the longstanding promise of support for the Kente Village would be realized.