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By Christian Ahodie
As preparations intensify for the 30th edition of the Agbamevor Za Festival, set to take place on August 17, 2025, in Agotime Kpetoe, local kente weavers are making a passionate appeal for urgent support.
They are calling on the government, civil society groups, and well-meaning individuals to intervene as they face growing challenges that threaten their livelihoods and Ghana’s celebrated cultural identity.
According to the weavers, inadequate infrastructure, soaring material costs, and the shortage of essential raw materials are seriously affecting their ability to produce and market their iconic fabrics.
Speaking to our reporter, Christian Ahodie, some of the artisans expressed concern over the lack of proper spaces to weave, sell, or even display their products.
We don’t have a decent place to work or showcase our cloths,” one weaver said. “Everything is done in the open, and it’s affecting the quality and value of our craft.”
The Agbamevor Festival, meaning Festival of the Loom, is one of Ghana’s most significant cultural events. Held annually in Agotime Kpetoe, it celebrates the heritage, artistry, and symbolism of kente cloth—a globally recognized symbol of African identity and pride.
This year’s festival marks a significant milestone: the 30th anniversary of Agbamevor Za. The event is expected to attract thousands of attendees, including dignitaries such as the Vice President of the Republic, chiefs, government officials, tourists, and members of the diaspora.
Yet, beneath the excitement lies a silent struggle.
Kente is more than just cloth; it’s a legacy,” said Rev. Godson, a respected local leader.
An organizer of the festival also lamented: “Despite the attention we get during the festival, the weavers are left to fend for themselves the rest of the year with little or no support.”
A female weaver, Joycelin, also stressed the importance of sustaining the tradition and encouraged young women in the community to embrace the craft as both a cultural duty and a viable career path.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Agbamevor Za Planning Committee called on members of the diaspora to return home and support this year’s celebrations. He outlined a lineup of cultural activities, exhibitions, and performances that will take place during the week-long festivities.
The Agotime Kente Weavers Association is urging the Ministry of Tourism, NGOs, philanthropists, and the private sector to come to their aid.
With timely support, they hope to overcome the barriers they currently face and use the festival as a platform to showcase the richness of kente—not just as a product, but as a living heritage that continues to weave the past into the present.
