Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has hailed UNESCO’s inscription of Ghana’s iconic Kente cloth on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, describing it as a vital boost for the nation’s cultural heritage and creative industries.
The formal recognition solidifies Kente’s global status as a timeless emblem of Ghanaian identity, craftsmanship, and history.
The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Ghana’s indigenous creative sectors during a meeting on Tuesday with a delegation of master weavers and designers from Agotime in the Volta Region. The group was led by Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed profound gratitude after receiving an exquisite Kente sample from the delegation. “Kente stands as a poignant reminder of the value of our indigenous knowledge systems and the importance of supporting the communities that sustain them,” she stated.
She emphasized that the UNESCO accolade is a triumph not only for the skilled weavers of Agotime but for the entire nation, cementing Kente’s place on the global map of intangible heritage.
“The Kente cloth, with its vibrant colours and intricate patterns, is more than a textile—it is a living, breathing testament to our history and cultural resilience,” the Vice President remarked.
She added that as Ghana navigates modernity, the government remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing the creative and cultural industries, ensuring the nation’s heritage thrives for generations.
Minister Gomashie praised the collective effort behind the successful UNESCO submission and highlighted the recognition as a catalyst for economic empowerment and sustainable tourism within artisan communities.
The inscription is expected to enhance global appreciation for Kente, strengthen preservation efforts, and open new opportunities for Ghana’s cultural exports.
