Hon. Agbeve pledges 'Youth in Weaving Initiative' to revive struggling Kente craft

Member of Parliament for Agotime-Ziope, Hon. Charles Akwasi Agbeve, has pledged to introduce a Youth In Weaving Initiative in partnership with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), aimed at training young people in the art of Kente weaving.

According to the MP, the initiative will create employment opportunities for interested youth while providing a platform for Master Weavers to pass on their skills, knowledge and experience to the next generation.

Speaking at the Grand Durbar to climax the Kente Festival (Agbamevorza) Hon. Agbeve said Kete (Kente) is more than a beautiful fabric. “Our Kete (Kente) is our identity, our history and our inheritance. We must therefore do everything possible to keep this cherished craft alive while turning it into a source of skills, livelihoods and opportunities for our young people,” he stated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the people of Agotime, empowering the youth, preserving the rich cultural heritage, and working tirelessly to create opportunities that will improve lives across the Agotime Traditional Area and beyond.

Hon. Agbeve was joined by the Paramount Chief of the Agotime Traditional Area, Nene Nuer Keteku IV, revered chiefs and elders, and representatives of the 37 communities that make up the traditional area.

Other dignitaries present included District Chief Executive Alfred Eklu Odikro, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Hon. Alex Segbefia, and other distinguished guests who graced the celebration.

The MP however, described the festival as a truly beautiful celebration of culture, identity, history and unity. “Seeing our people come together in such numbers, proudly showcasing the rich heritage of Agotime, filled me with immense pride,” he said.

As part of his commitment to supporting cherished traditions, Hon. Agbeve announced a donation of GHS 20,000 towards the celebration, alongside other support extended to the festival.

Earlier, before the Member of Parliament's address at the Durbar, the former Kente Weavers Chairman in the Agortime, Mr. Israel Kporku, in an interview during this year’s Kete Weaving Competition held on Thursday, 13th August, 2026, said it is time to reintroduce the Kente weaving skills acquisition into the basic school curriculum.

This, he noted, will enable children in Agotime to learn the craft early instead of picking it up later in life. He added that the proposed Youth In Weaving Initiative and the inclusion of weaving in the school curriculum could help safeguard Kente weaving, create sustainable jobs for the youth, and position Agotime’s cultural heritage as both an economic asset and a source of community pride.