The official launch of the Royal Kente Gala 2025 has been held at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi.
The event was organized under the theme “Preserving Royal Kente Heritage, Weaving Global”, which reflects the mission of the initiative to safeguard Ghana’s unique Kente tradition while promoting it on the world stage.
Speaking at the launch, the President of the Royal Kente Weavers and Sellers Association (ROKWESA), Mr. Kwame Nyame, traced the origins of the revered Royal Kente cloth to the 17th century.
He recalled the legend of two brothers who first learned weaving techniques by observing a spider’s web, noting that Kente was historically reserved for Ashanti royalty, including the Asantehene.
Mr. Nyame emphasized that in its earliest form, Royal Kente was the preserve of the king’s personal weavers who served as a vital link between the royal court and the weaving community.
These artisans not only clothed royalty but also safeguarded the values, traditions, and artistry of the craft.
He further explained that Royal Kente was historically worn exclusively by royalty, spiritual leaders, and distinguished figures as a mark of authority, power, and elevated social status.
Today, contemporary royal weavers continue this tradition, maintaining exclusive patterns, promoting the industry, and ensuring the heritage of Royal Kente remains intact.
Highlighting upcoming activities, Mr. Nyame announced that the celebration will include a series of cultural exhibitions, lectures, and showcases in the months ahead, culminating in the Grand Gala on December 20, 2025.
He reiterated ROKWESA’s commitment to ensuring that the Royal Kente remains not just a cloth, but a potent symbol of Ghanaian heritage, history, and identity that resonates globally.
story by Henry Ameyaw
